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Class 
Book 



Copyright N°. 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



HER OWN WAY 



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Her Own Way 

A PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 




By 
CLYDE FITCH 




THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 
NEW YORK MCMVII 

LONDON: MACMILLAN & CO., Ltd. 





LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

APS 22 1907 

#0Q*rtfi*l Entry 

CLASS 8 XXc, No. 
/O 3 90 

COPY B. 






<V> 



A 



Copyright, 1907, 
By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY. 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



Set up and electrotyped. Published April, 1907. 



All acting rights, both professional and amateur, are reserved by Clyde 
Fitch. Performances forbidden and right of representation reserved. 
Application for the right of performing this piece must be made to The 
Macmillan Company. Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted 
in accordance with the penalties provided by the United States Stat- 
utes: — 

"Sec. 4966. — Any person publicly performing or representing any 
dramatic or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, 
without the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical 
composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor, 
such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one 
hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every subsequent per- 
formance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the unlawful per- 
formance and representation be wilful and for profit, such person or 
persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be im- 
prisoned for a period not exceeding one year." — U. S. Revised 
Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. 



Nflrbjoofc IPresss 

J. S. Cushing & Co. — Berwick & Smith Co. 

Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. 



TO 

MAXINE ELLIOTT 

AND EVERYTHING IS SAID! 

C. F. 1907 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/herownwayplayinfOOfitc 



HER OWN WAY 



ACT I. The Playroom. 

Ten days elapse. 

ACT II. The Drawing-room. 

Eight months elapse. 

ACT III. Georgiana's Room. 

Four weeks elapse. 

ACT IV. The Drawing-room. 



Place — New York. 



vii 



THE PEOPLE IN THE PLAY 



Georgiana Carley. 
Mrs. Carley . . 
Mrs. Steven Carley 



Philip 

Christopher \~ ' ' ' 

Toots 

Elaine 

Lizzie 7 

Miss Bella Shindle 
Lieutenant Richard 
Sam Coast . . . . 
Steven Carley . . 

Moles 

A Footman . . . . 



Her step-mother. 

Her sister-in-law, born "Coast," 

and daughter of Mrs. Carley by 

a former marriage. 

Children of Mr. and Mrs. Steven 
Carley. 

From next door. 
Mrs. Carley's maid. 
" The Lady Hair-dresser." 
Coleman. 
Louise Carley's own cousin. 
Georgiana's brother. 
Butler to the Carleys. 
At the Carleys. 



Produced at the Star Theatre, Buffalo, Septem- 
ber 24, 1903, and on September 28, 1903, at the 
Garrick Theatre, New York, with the following 
cast : — 

Georgiana Carley Miss Maxine Elliott 

Mrs. Carley Miss Eva Vincent 

Mrs. Steven Carley Miss Nellie Thorne 

Philip Master Donald Gallaher 

Christopher Miss Beryl Morse 

Toots Miss Mollie King 

Elaine Miss Marie Hirsch 

Lizzie Miss Susanne Perry 

Miss Bella Shindle Miss Georgie Lawrence 

Lieutenant Richard Coleman . . . Mr. Charles Cherry 

Sam Coast Mr. Arthur Byron 

Steven Carley Mr. R. C. Herz 

Moles Mr. Francklyn Hurleigh 

Footman Mr. B. M. Parmenter 



Produced at the Lyric Theatre, London, in 
May, 1905, and afterward at the Savoy Theatre, 
London, with the following cast : — 

Georgiana Carley Miss Maxine Elliott 

Mrs. Carley Mrs. Fanny Addison Pitt 

Mrs. Steven Carley Miss Nellie Thome 

Philip Master Donald Gallaher 

Christopher Miss Beryl Morse 

Toots Miss Mollie King 

Elaine Miss Marie Hirsch 

Lizzie Miss Susanne Perry 

Miss Bella Shindle Miss Georgie Lawrence 

Lieutenant Richard Coleman . . . Mr. Charles Cherry 

Sam Coast Mr. James Carew 

Steven Carley Mr. R. C. Herz 

Moles Mr. Francklyn Hurleigh 

Footman Mr. B. M. Parmenter 



xni 



ACT I 

The nursery. Half-past two in the afternoon. A 
cool, delightful white room, with a frieze of chil- 
dren playing in the ocean spray; shelves of 
bright-colored books on the walls, and the months 
of a large calendar by Elizabeth Shippen Green 
framed underneath. There is a deep bow-window 
at the back; the principal door is at the Left, and a 
smaller one on the Right. Toys of all sizes, for 
all ages, are scattered about with a holiday air. 
There is a sofa on the Right and a hobby horse 
on the Left. 

There are four charming though somewhat spoiled 
children, with intermittent manners, with napkins 
tied up under their chins, sitting around the table, 

B I 



2 HER OWN WAY 

which is a little to the right of the centre of the 
room. 
The Footman is busy removing the plates; the 
butler, Moles, who stands behind Philip, 
always takes Philip's plate. It is Philip's 
birthday. Lizzie stands behind Elaine. In 
the centre of the table is a large cake with seven 
candles burning on it. 

Philip. What comes next? 

Christopher. Soup ! 

[Lizzie and Moles suppress smiles, exchanging 
looks of delighted appreciation of Christo- 
pher's humor. 

Toots. Ice cream ! 

Elaine. Don't be absurd, Christopher, we've 
had soup. 

Christopher. I like it ! 



HER OWN WAY 3 

Toots. I like ice cream ! 

Elaine. [To Toots.] Sh! 

Philip. What comes next, Moles? 

Moles. I don't know, sir. 

[He goes out. 

Elaine. T'ain't manners to ask, anyway, 
Phil. 

Philip. Who cares! It's my birthday! 

Christopher. When will it be my birthday? 

[ The Footman reenters with plates, followed by 
Moles, with silver dish of croquettes. 

Philip. Here it comes; what is it? 

Moles. Chicken croquettes, sir. 

Philip. Left overs! Had chicken yesterday! 
Bring 'em here first! 

Moles. No, ladies first, sir. 

[Serves Elaine. 

Lizzie. And besides, Miss Elaine is company. 



4 HER OWN WAY 

[Moles serves Christopher. 
Philip. That's all right. S'long it's Elaine, 
everything goes ! 
Elaine. Phil! 
[Sliding down from her chair, she runs to him 

and kisses him. 
Philip. [Hopelessly embarrassed.] Don't! not 
in front of everybody! 

Elaine. But I do love you, Phil, and you're 
my beau, and I'm so glad it's your birthday. 
[Goes back to her place unashamed and contented. 

[Moles serves Philip. 
Lizzie. You oughtn't to talk about beaux at 
your age, Miss — ought Miss Elaine ? 

[To Moles with a knowing glance. 
Moles. I ain't discussing the sex with you, 
Lizzie, but I will say all the girls I've known, began 
talking about beaux early and ended late. 



HER OWN WAY 5 

Christopher. I heard Lizzie and Moles talking 
about Aunt Georgiana's beau! 

Lizzie. Sh! 

[Footman goes out with the croquette dish. 

Elaine. Mr. Dick Coleman's Miss Carley's 
beau! 

Philip. No, he isn't ! Mr. Dick's known Aunt 
Georgiana always, they're just little boy and girl 
friends. Lizzie says she's Cousin Sammy Coast's 
sweetheart. 

Lizzie. [Indignant, though convulsed.] I never 
did! 

Philip. Yes, you did! To Maggie when you 
thought I wasn't paying attention. 

[Lizzie and Moles exchange amused glances. 

Elaine. But Mr. Coast's your auntie's cousin; 
and your cousin can't be your beau. 

Philip. He ain't any relation to Auntie Geor- 



6 HER OWN WAY 

giana. Mamma said so. Mr. Coast's mamma's 
cousin, and grandma's nephew, but grandma isn't 
any real relation to auntie. 

Christopher. How? 

Philip. I don't know how, only Aunt Georgiana 
had a different mamma, she didn't have grandma. 

Elaine. And the same papa ! 

Philip. Not all the time, mamma had another 
papa first. 

Christopher. It's sort of mixy, isn't it? 

Philip. Yes, I guess mamma and Aunt Georgy 
are sort of divorced sisters! 

Elaine. Oh! 

[As if that explained it. 

Toots. [Beating the table.] Lemmlelade ! lemm- 
lelade ! 

[Moles crosses to pitcher and serves Toots first, 
then the others. 



HER OWN WAY 7 

Philip. Toots, you're getting tipsy ! 

[The children laugh. 

Christopher. Cousin Sammy comes to see 
Aunt Georgiana nearly every day. 

Philip. Yes — he's begun to bring toys just 
like some of the others did. 

Christopher. [With his mouth full.] Hobby 
horse! Hobby horse! 

[Pointing to the hobby horse. 

Lizzie. Don't talk with your mouth full, 
Mr. Christopher. 

Philip. [Shouting.] He'll choke! He'll choke! 
[All laugh , tremendously amused. 

Moles. Mr. Coast is a very fine gentleman. 

Philip. Oh, I know! I saw him give you a 
dollar the other day, when he came to see auntie, 
and you advised his waiting and said auntie'd be 
in by five. 



8 HER OWN WAY 

"Lizzie. Isn't he a case ! 

Moles. He certainly is. 

[Returns pitcher to table on the Left. 

Christopher. I like Mr. Dick best. He's al- 
ways taking us places and things. 

Toots. [Who has finished his croquette and is 
now ready for conversation.} Um ! Circus ! 

Philip. And not just 'cause he's stuck on auntie. 

Moles. You oughtn't to use that expression, 
Mr. Philip. 

Philip. Why not! you do. I heard you tell 
Lizzie you were stuck on her last Sunday. 

Lizzie. [Blushing.] Oh, my! 

Christopher. Mr. Dick's a soldier! 

Philip. Yes, siree ! He helped stop a strike of 
street cars in Brooklyn. His name was in the 
papers ! 

Christopher. He was hurted bad, and if he 



HER OWN WAY 9 

was dead, he'd have a monnyment with "Hero" 
embroidered on it. Aunt Georgiana said so ! 

Elaine. I should think Miss Georgiana was too 
old, anyway, to have beaux. 

Christopher. Oh, awful old ! 

Lizzie. Oh! Miss Carley isn't so old! 

Philip. Yes, she is, too! She's our old maid 
aunt. 

Elaine. If she wasn't old, she'd be married. 
It must be awful to be so old. 

Philip. She's nearly thirty, I guess. 

All the Children. Oh ! 

[Loud and long. 

Christopher. You'll be deader soon after 
thirty, won't you? 

Toots. [Crying.] I don't want Auntie Geor- 
giana to be a deader ! 

Philip. [Bored.] Shut up ! 



io HER OWN WAY 

Lizzie. [Comes to Toots and comforts him.] 
Toots, dear! 

Philip. I'm glad Aunt Georgiana's an old 
maid, 'cause I don't want her to leave us. 

[Footman enters and stands at the Right.] 
She gave me my birthday party. 

Moles. Yes, and this whole house'd miss your 
aunt, I can tell you that, Mr. Philip. [Takes 
away the plates.] She just keeps things going 
smooth with everybody. 

Philip. I told her I saw you kiss Lizzie on the 
back stairs, Saturday. 

Moles. What! 

[Gives dishes to the Footman, 

Lizzie. He didn't ! He didn't ! 

Philip. Yes, that's what Aunt Georgiana said, 
but I know better, and so does she, I guess ! 

Lizzie. Isn't he a case ! 



HER OWN WAY II 

[Moles goes out with the Footman. 
Philip. Now what? 
Christopher. Soup! 
Philip. Ice cream ! I want ice cream ! 
Lizzie. Sh! 

Elaine. My mamma don't let my brothers 
behave so at the table. 

Philip. Neither don't we, 'cept our birth- 
days. 

[Moles reenters with a tray and plates. 
Christopher. What is it? 
Philip. [Screams.] Eeh! Ice cream! It's ice 
cream ! 
Lizzie. Sh! 
Philip. Go ahead, dish it out! 

[Laughs. 
[Moles serves ice cream to Elaine, then to 
Philip, Toots, and Christopher. 



12 HER OWN WAY 

Christopher. Mr. Dick Coleman is gooder as 
Cousin Sammy Coast. 

Elaine. Aunt Georgiana is goodest as him! 

Christopher. Aunt Georgiana is gooder as 
mamma ! 

Toots. And most goodest as grandma. 

[Lizzie exchanges a glance with Moles and goes 
out Right. 

Philip. Grandma! Rats! 

Moles. [To Philip.] Sh! 

Philip. [Shouts.] Stop, Chris! He's taking 
too much ice cream ! 

All the Children. Chris ! Chris ! 

[They keep up the clamor, laughing and shouting, 
till Lizzie comes back. 

"Lizzie. Children ! here comes grandma. 

Philip. [Disgusted.] Oh, pshaw ! 

Christopher. Don't want grandma. 



HER OWN WAY 13 

Lizzie. Sh! 

[Mrs. Carle y comes in from the Right. She is a 
middle-aged woman, of faded prettiness and 
frivolous manner. Every line and bit of 
character has been massaged out of her face. 
There is a sudden, embarrassed, and gloomy 
silence on the part of the children. 
Mrs. Carley. Well, children, having a lovely 
party ? 
Philip. [Grudgingly.] Yes, ma'am! 
Elaine. [Politely.] Yes, ma'am. 
Christopher. Aunt Georgiana's party ! 
Mrs. Carley. Yes, dear, it's too bad mamma is 
ill in bed. She says when you are all through, you 
may come up and say how do you do, while she 
kisses Phil. [Silence.] That will be nice, won't it? 
Philip. [Grudgingly.] Yes, ma'am. 
Elaine. Yes, ma'am. 



14 HER OWN WAY 

Christopher. Yes, ma'am. 
Toots. No! 

Mrs. Carley. We are glad you could come in, 
Elaine, and help celebrate Philip's birthday. 
Elaine. Thank you, ma'am! 
[Toots is mashing his ice cream strenuously with 

a spoon. 
Mrs. Carley. Toots! don't be naughty and 
don't mash your ice cream up like that. 
Toots. I like it. 
Christopher. Me too — it makes soup ! 

[Copying Toots. 
Mrs. Carley. Your collar's crooked, Chris. 

[Arranging it. 
Christopher. Ouch! 

[Squirming. 
Mrs. Carley. Phil, shall grandma cut your 
cake for you? 



HER OWN WAY 15 

Philip. No, ma'am, Auntie Georgiana's going 
to cut it. 

Mrs. Carley. Oh, very well. How's your 
mamma, Elaine? Is she going to the big ball 
to-morrow ? 

Elaine. Yes, ma'am. 

Mrs. Carley. We feel dreadfully. Philip's 
mamma's illness prevents our going. 

Elaine. Mamma said you weren't invited. 

Mrs. Carley. [Pats Philip on the head, to 
his great disgust and discomfort.] Your mamma 
had better mind! Your mamma is mistaken! 
Good-by, children, grandma is sorry she can't 
stay and have a good time with you. I am going 
to call, Elaine, on the Countess of Worling, Mrs. 
Tom Cooley's daughter. I don't think your mother 
knows them. Good-by, dears, enjoy yourselves. 

[She goes out Left. 



16 HER OWN WAY 

[Silence till the door is well shut behind grandma, 
and then the children break out with shouts, 
all of them, 0} "Good-by, Grandma. Good-by," 
repeated ad lib. Then they calm down. 
Philip. Bully! Grandma's gone! 
Christopher. Ice cream ! 
All the Children. More ice cream! Ice 
cream ! 
Philip. Let's see. 

[Moles hands him the ice cream dish. 
Christopher. [To Philip.] Can I have some 
more, or will it make me sick? 

Philip. [Serves the children.] No, there's plenty. 
When there isn't enough, mamma always says it 
will make us sick. 

Christopher. And papa — when we have 
company unexpected, and there isn't enough of 
anything, papa always says F.H.B. 



HER OWN WAY 17 

Philip. F.H.B. 

Elaine. Why? 

Christopher. He says it means Family Hold 
Back, and we all have to say "No, thank you," 
when it comes around! Do you like grandma, 
Phil? 

Philip. Naw! Grandma's no good. 

[Moles goes out with the empty ice cream dish. 

Toots. No good, grandma ! 

[.4 knock outside the door Left. 

Georgiana. [Outside.] Hello! Hello! 

Philip. [Delighted.] Aunt Georgiana! 

All the Children. Aunt Georgiana ! 

Georgiana. [Outside.] Is this a private room 
at Sherry's, or may an old maid aunt come 
in? 

All. No ! Yes ! Come in — come on in ! 

[They clatter on the table with their spoons, and 



18 HER OWN WAY 

shout "Hurrah! Aunt Georgianaf" as Geor- 
giana enters. She is a beautiful creature, 
about thirty, and in the very height of health 
and spirits — an American Beauty rose the 
moment before it opens. She is -flushed 
after her quick walk in the bracing, sunshiny 
winter's day. No wonder the children — and 
others — adore her! 

Georgiana. What a good time ! 

Christopher. Oh, we're having the beautiful- 
est time, Auntie ! 

Philip. Great ! 

Elaine. Perfectly lovely ! 

Toots. Um ! Ice cream ! Lots ! 

Georgiana. That's good! Stuff all you can, 
Toots ! Are you ready to cut the cake ? 

All the Children. Yes ! Yes ! 

Philip. We waited for you. 



HER OWN WAY 19 

Christopher. We wouldn't let grandma. 

[Georgian a drops her furs on the so} a and 
then comes to the table. 

Georgiana. There's a ring in it. Whoever 
gets it will be married in a year. 

[Starts to cut the cake. 

Toots. I want the ring ! 

Philip. Hush up, you're only a baby ! 

[A loud knock on the door Left. 

Georgiana. Oh, yes, I forgot. Cousin Sam 
wants to wish you many happy returns, Philip. 
May he come in? 

Philip. Pshaw ! Another man ! 

Christopher. [In a " stage whisper " to Elaine.] 
He's the one — auntie's sweetheart ! 

Georgiana. [Amused.] Nonsense, Christopher, 
that's silly talk. Stop that for good! [Loud 
knocks repeated. To Philip.] May Cousin Sam 



20 HER OWN WAY 

come in ? [Philip nods.] All right, he's got some 

presents ! Come in, Mr. Coast. 

[Coast comes in and goes straight to Philip. 
Sam Coast is a tall, slender, but strong-looking 
man, rather " raw-boned" He is dressed most 
fashionably and most expensively, — over- 
dressed, in fact, and yet not too vulgarly, 
A man of muscle and nerve, who makes his 
own code and keeps his own counsel. 

Coast. Shake, Phil. 

[Shakes his hand. 

Philip. [His hand hurt.] Golly! He can 
squeeze, can't he, Aunt Georgiana? 

Georgiana. Well, really! Miss Elaine Jack- 
son — Mr. Coast. 

Elaine. [Embarrassed, rises, and curtseys.] 
How do you do ? 

Coast. Pleased to make your acquaintance. 
Hello, rest of you. 



HER OWN WAY 21 

Christopher and Toots. Hello ! 

Christopher. Are you Auntie Georgiana's 
beau? 

Coast. Yes ! 

Georgiana. Chris ! 

Christopher. Lizzie says so ! 

Lizzie. I never ! 

Toots, Christopher, and Philip. Yes, you 
did! You did too! You did too! 

Lizzie. [To Georgiana.] I never did, miss! 

Philip. Yes you did, you did too ! 

Georgiana. I hope you didn't, Lizzie. You 
may leave the children with me now. 

Lizzie. Yes, ma'am. 

[Lizzie, Moles, and Footman go out at Right, 
each taking some plates, etc. 

Georgiana. [To Coast.] I hope you don't 
mind. 



22 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Of course I don't. It's true as far as 
I'm concerned. 

Georgiana. [Laughing.] It's not ! 

Coast. Listen, will you bet? 

Georgiana. [Laughing.] Not before the chil- 
dren ! 

Philip. Come on, let's cut the cake! 

Georgiana. Blow out the candles! 

[All the children blow out the candles and then 
get down from the table. 

Coast. And here's my contribution to the party. 

[Brings out six big German mottoes from his 
pocket, and goes to table with them. 

Georgiana. [In pretended excitement.] What? 
Mottoes ! 

All the Children. [In delighted chorus.] Oh, 
mottoes ! 

Philip. Are those the silver mines? 



HER OWN WAY 23 

Coast. No! Why? 

[Laughing and handing the mottoes around, 

while Georgiana cuts the cake. 
Philip. I heard grandma say the other day, 
you had pockets full of silver mines. 
Georgiana. The cake's ready ! 
[All take a piece of cake. The children line up 
and down Centre from Right to Left: Elaine, 
Toots, Philip, Christopher. 
Coast. Your motto ! 

[Handing one to Georgiana. 
Georgiana. One for me too ! Oh, thank you ! 
Coast. Certainly, because I want a bit of cake. 
I'm after that ring. 

[Goes up back of table for cake. 
Georgiana. Don't anybody swallow the ring. 
[All eat the cake and now speak with their mouths 
full 



24 HER OWN WAY 

Christopher. I haven't got it yet, Auntie. 

Elaine. Nor I. 

Georgiana. Don't talk. Everybody eat till 
some one gets it ! 

Toots. [Crying.] I can't eat my cake ! I can't 
eat my cake ! 

Georgiana. Why not, dear? 

Toots. 'Cause I haven't got no place! I 
haven't got no place to put it! 

[Crying. 

Philip. He's full up ! 

Georgiana. Never mind, Toots, dear, you 
shall have a piece for supper. 

Toots. Will I have room then? 

Christopher. [A sudden loud and frightened 
cry.] Oh! Oh! 

All. What's the matter? 

[All gather around Christopher. 



HER OWN WAY 25 

Georgiana. [Frightened.] What is it, Chris? 

Christopher. [Screaming.] Oh ! 

Georgiana. What is it, dear? 

Christopher. I've swallowed it! 

All. What? 

Christopher. I've swallowed the ring! 

Elaine. That isn't fair! 

Philip. Just like Chris, 'fraid some one else'd 
get it. 

Georgiana. No, Chris, dear! [To Coast.] 
What will we do ? 

Coast. Chris has made a mistake, here is the 
ring ! [Finding it in his own piece of cake.] There 
weren't two, were there? 

Georgiana. No, that's the one ! 

Christopher. [Smiling and greatly relieved.] 
Oh ! I guess I 'magined it, then. 

Georgiana. [Affectionately pretending to shake 



26 HER OWN WAY 

him.] Well, young man, you can imagine yourself 
spanked for giving us all a fright. Now, come 
along, the mottoes. [To Coast.] Of course the 
ring wasn't meant for you. What are you going 
to do with it? 

Coast. Keep it. 

Georgiana. No, you mustn't ; it's the children's ! 

Coast. Philip, may I keep the ring? 

Philip. [On the hobby horse.] Yes, sir. 

Coast. And I'll give each one of you a ring in 
place of it. What kind will you have, Elaine? 

[He makes movement towards each child as he 
asks the question. 

Elaine. One big pearl with two great big rubies. 

Georgiana. Mercy ! Small order ! 

Coast. Very well. And you, Phil? 

Philip. I don't want any ring. I want a watch 
and chain. 



HER OWN WAY 27 

Coast. Good ! And you, Chris, do you want a 
ring? 
Christopher. I want a gun ! 
Coast. All right. [Writing.] And Toots? 
Toots. Nanny goat ! 

[They all laugh. Moles and Footman enter, 
answering the bell which Georgiana has rung. 
Georgiana. The table, Moles. 
Moles. Yes, ma'am. 

[Takes away small plates, etc.; he then goes out 
Right, followed by Footman, who takes every- 
thing else from the table, leaving only the cover 
and a false nose left from the mottoes. 
Philip. [Crosses to Georgiana a/ table.] Grand- 
ma's been up and said we were all to go and see 
mamma. 

Georgiana. Go in your mottoes; that will be 
great fun ! 



28 HER OWN WAY 

All the Children. Oh, ves! Hurrah! 

[Running off Left. 
Georgiana. Ssh! Don't shout so; remember 
poor mamma's headache ! 

[All repeat, " Remember poor mamma's headache" 
and take hands as they tip-toe out, Philip first, 
Elaine second, Chris third, Toots fourth, 
repeating "Poor mamma's headache" in a whis- 
per till they are all out. 
Coast. I can't get this damned thing on. Too 
bad Cousin Loo's ill. 

Georgiana. Oh, she isn't really. Louise is 
never perfectly well and happy unless she has 
something the matter with her, especially if she 
has nothing else to do; she's bored to-day, so 
she's got a headache ! To-night, when there's a 
big ball to which she is not invited, she'll be fright- 
fully alarmed about herself for fear of appendicitis, 



HER OWN WAY 29 

but to-morrow, when we have smart company at 
luncheon, she'll recover like a shot ! It's all right 
for Louise, but it's hard on my brother, who really 
adores her. 

[She sits beside the table. 

Coast. Adores! Say! That's the word I 
want to use about you! 

[Follows Georgiana to table, moves chair to 
front, and sits. 

Georgiana. Nonsense, Sam ! Do you know 
anything about some stocks called United Copper? 

Coast. Rotten ! Don't touch it ! 

Georgiana. My brother had a tip this morning 
on United Copper and wanted me to give him some 
money to put in it. 

Coast. Listen ! don't you do it. 

Georgiana. I wish you'd use your influence 
with Steven to help him. 



30 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. How? 

Georgiana. You must know how mad he is 
over speculation ? But perhaps you don't know that 
he has gone through all his own money, and, if 
she'll let him, he'll go through his wife's next. 
[Smiling.] Then I suppose it would be my turn ! 

Coast. Why doesn't he keep out of it? 

Georgiana. He can't, we must keep it out of 
him ! Out of his blood ! 

Coast. There's only one way. 

Georgiana. What? 

Coast. Ruin him ! 

Georgiana. That's too anarchistic ! You spec- 
ulate. 

Coast. But I always win ! 

Georgiana. Can't you teach him? 

Coast. Listen, if I could do that, I'd be the 
richest man in the world before I got through. 



HER OWN WAY 31 

Georgiana. Can't you give Steve a tip on some 
sure things ? 

Coast. There ain't any sure things. 

Georgiana. Why, other friends of Steve are 
always " putting him on to something good." 

Coast. And what happens? 

Georgiana. [Smiling distressfully.] Well, he 
does lose, usually. 

Coast. I guess so ! 

Georgiana. But you must often have inside 
information. 

Coast. And how much is that worth? 

[Takes up the false nose from table. 

Georgiana. Well, it usually costs Steve all he 
has ! But I thought you — 

Coast. [Interrupting.] Miss Georgiana, you 
see this false nose? 

Georgiana. Yes 



32 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. [Putting it on.] Well, now what do I 
look like? 

Georgiana. [Laughing.] I shouldn't like to 
say! 

Coast. Exactly! Well, see? That's what I'd 
be if I believed in tips and "inside information." 
If a man gives your brother a good tip, let him 
drop it like hot lead. People with a real good tip 
ain't giving it away. There's never enough to 
divide up and go around, — not in this world, — 
and inside information that gets told to a lamb 
like your brother is too damned outside informa- 
tion for me ! 

[He rises and moves away, half in irritation, half 
in humor. 

Georgiana. Oh! Oh! 

Coast. Pardon. 

Georgiana. Are you as rich as people say? 



HER OWN WAY 33 

Coast. Richer! 

Georgiana. How did you get it? 

Coast. I started my dough with a mine. 

Georgiana. Why can't you put Steve into a 
mine? 

Coast. [Laughing.] What's the use? he'll lose 
everything just as quick in Wall Street. 

Georgiana. But I mean a good mine. 

Coast. [Coming back to her.] Listen ! I worked 
right in our mine with my father when I was only 
eight years old! That's why I ain't better edu- 
cated — I worked for ten years there down in the 
dirt and muck ! 

Georgiana. [Interrupting.] And silver ! 

Coast. [Leaning on the back of the chair.] Yes, 
and silver. [Laughs.] Father's out there working 
yet — don't have to now, but he likes it; he ain't 
comfortable on top of the earth — says there's too 

D 



34 HER OWN WAY 

much room. If fathered been a man like Mackay, 
I guess he'd been just as rich as him to-day. 

Georgiana. And still you won't help Steve? 

Coast. T'ain't business. [He puts back his 
chair and leans toward Georgiana, hand on table.] 
If helping him, mind you, would get you, I might 
take it on. [Humorously.] I'd pay even the price 
of Steve to buy you. 

Georgiana. [Taking the false nose and putting 
it on.] Well, I'm not for sale. [Rises.] But I 
would like to dispose of Steven. 

Coast. Go on, please take that blame thing off. 

[Follows Georgiana across the room to the Left. 

Georgiana. No, I like it! You must under- 
stand this about my brother. [Taking off the nose.] 
He is the dearest, best fellow in the world ! kind- 
hearted and wouldn't do a thing that wasn't straight- 
forward in business. 



HER OWN WAY 35 

Coast. But you've got to be tricky if you want 
to succeed in our business. I don't mind telling you 
right out between us, I'm tricky ! 

Georgiana. I'm sorry to hear it. 

Coast. Louise was a pretty good liar when she 
was a kid. She ought to help her husband along 
a little. 

Georgiana. That's just it! if Steve had the 
right sort of wife, — but all Louise wants is social 
position and more money. 

[She sits on the hobby horse, amusedly.] 

Coast. If Louise was like you ! 

[Georgiana puts the nose on quickly and rocks. 

Georgiana. Heaven forbid ! The only trouble 
with Steve is he's weak. He'd have been all right 
if he'd been a girl — or married to a president 
of Sorosis, or a daughter of the Present Revo- 
lution ! 



36 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Miss Georgiana, take off that nose and 
let me ask you something. 

Georgiana. Not at all, my dear Sammy. I 
know what it is you want to ask me ! I'm much 
obliged and I won't. 

Coast. You won't marry me ! 

Georgiana. No! 

Coast. Why not ? 

Georgiana. Because I don't love you. 

Coast. Who do you love? 

Georgiana. That's not your business! 

Coast. Do you love any one? 

Georgiana. [After a moment's hesitation, lies.] 
No! 

Coast. [With insinuation.] Why don't you get 
Dick Coleman to help Steven? 

Georgiana. [Taking off the nose.] Why do you 
ask me that now in that way? 



HER OWN WAY 37 

Coast. Information! 

Georgiana. Dick's a lawyer. What could he 
do for Steven? 

Coast. That's not the information I wanted. 

Georgiana. But it's all the information you'll 
get! 

[Gets off the hobby horse and comes down a 
little. 

Coast. [Follows her.] Georgiana, marry me, 
and I'll look after Steven all the rest of his 
life. 

Georgiana. Sammy, you don't want me to 
marry you if I don't love you. 

Coast. Yes, I do. Listen ! I'd risk your not 
loving me; there's nothing on God's earth I 
wouldn't do to make you love me. 

Georgiana. That's the trouble with you men, 
you think you can make a woman love you whether 



38 HER OWN WAY 

she wants to or not, but you can't ! — neither can 
you keep her from loving you if she does, whether 
she wants to or not. 

[Throws nose away; crossing to the Left, sits in 
the rocking chair there. 

Coast. I'd give you everything! 

Georgiana. That you can buy! 

Coast. Do you mean that you'd rather be dead 
poor than marry me? 

Georgiana. No, I don't say that ! When I've 
lost everything and Steven and Louise are bank- 
rupt, and we haven't a penny — 

Coast. Yes! 

Georgiana. I might — I say I might — 

Coast. Honest! 

Georgiana. [Laughing.] Oh, dear, no ! 

Coast. I take you at your word, anyhow. 

[The children's voices are heard. 



HER OWN WAY 39 

Children. [Off Left.] Come on back to our 
room and have some more fun. 

Georgiana. Sh! Here come the children. 

[Rises. 
Coast. Damn the children ! 
Georgiana. Sam! 

[She puts finger up, Coast kisses it. 
Coast. Pardon ! But I don't give up ! Under- 
stand — I'm going to marry you! 

Georgiana. [Teasing him.] When? When? 

[The children rush in screaming. 
The Children. Aunt Georgiana! Here's 
papa ! Here's papa ! 
[And Steven Carle y enters Left. He is a 
slender, smooth-shaven, young-old looking 
man, his voice and body almost vibrating 
with nerve; a personality that so often ap- 
peals to the tenderness in women, while it 



40 HER OWN WAY 

irritates men. He brings his hat and coat 
with him. 

Steven. Hello, Sam! 

Coast. Morning! 

Steven. Many happy returns, Georgy. 

Georgiana. Oh, no, thank you! It's not for 
me yet, thank goodness ! 

Philip. Now let's play hide and seek. 

The Children. Hide and seek ! 

Lizzie. [Entering Left.] Excuse me, please. 
Mrs. Jackson's maid is here for Miss Elaine. 

Philip. Oh, pshaw! 

Christopher. Don't you go ! 

Elaine. Oh, yes, I must! I'm sorry! [She 
goes up stage with great diffidence to Steven and 
shakes his hand as she curtseys.] Good-by, sir. 
[To Coast also.] Good-by, sir. [To Georgiana.] 
Good-by, ma'am, I've had a perfectly lovely time. 






HER OWN WAY 41 

[Aside to Georgiana.] Phil is my beau, but I like 
Mr. Coast awfully much too ! 

Georgiana. [Laughing.] You're beginning 
early ! Come along, children, we'll take Elaine 
down. Excuse me, everybody, please. 

Philip. If you've got any good tips, papa, save 
some for little brother. 

[The children go out Left with Georgiana. 

Steven. [Putting his hat and coat down on the 
sofa.] He's on to his father early! Sam, any 
news? 

Coast. No. 

Steven. I've heard of a big thing, an absolutely 
straight tip, — inside information. 

Coast. [Sitting in the rocker.] Well, don't tell 
it, or you'll spoil it. 

Steven. The women are so down on my specu- 
lating, Georgiana especially. 



42 HER OWN WAY 

[Sits on the table. 

Coast. What do the women folks know about 
business? Why don't you keep what you do to 
yourself ? 

Steven. But you see my money's all gone, and 
I need more — only to recoup with. 

Coast. [After a slight pause.] As I remem- 
ber, you can do what you like with Louise's 
money. 

Steven. But is it right? 

Coast. You're too blamed afraid, that's why 
you always lose. 

Steven. [Walking up and down.] I know it. 
And this is the biggest chance I've had yet. If 
I dared risk it, I'm sure I could make a for- 
tune ! Not in words ! I know what I'm talking 
about, Sam. Louise would have everything she 
wanted — and the way she'd live then ! She could 



HER OWN WAY 43 

drop the social chip off her shoulders, go anywhere, 
and receive everybody. 

[Standing beside the table, he eats a little cake. 

Coast. Well? 

Steven. Do you advise me to risk it? 

Coast. [Pretending indifference.] What? 

Steven. Louise's money? 

Coast. I ain't advising anything. If it went 
wrong, you'd blame me to the women. 

Steven. Is that the kind of a man I am? 

Coast. [Rises and goes to Steven and slaps him 
on the back.] No, Steve, I take it back. You take 
a licking better'n any feller I ever saw. 

Steven. Experience ! But this thing can't go 
wrong! The man who told me is the head 
and — I told Georgiana — didn't she give you a 
hint? 

Coast. [After a slight pause.] No. 



44 HER OWN WAY 

[Turns up to the window and stands there with 
his back to Steven, 

Steven. My tip's a great one — safe ! Now, shall 
I take it? 

Coast. Of course, when I feel as you do about 
a thing, I do it. 

Steven. And by George, I will too ! 

Coast. Why not ? 

[Turning and facing him. 

Steven. Yes! what I make's for Louise, not 
for myself. 

Coast. I wouldn't say anything to Louise 

about it. 

[Comes down a little. 

Steven. No, she'd be sure to talk it over with 

Georgiana. 

[He sits by the table. 

Coast. And, say, not a word, you know, about 

me in all this. 



HER OWN WAY 45 

Steven. I give you my word, Sam. 

Coast. Why not let the old lady in, too, Aunt 
Laura, if it's such a good thing? 

[He gives a side look at Steven. 

Steven. Didn't they tell you? 

Coast. What? 

Steven. I put mother into East Mexicos! 

Coast. Gee ! 

{Whistles, crosses to the sofa Right, and sits on 
Georgiana's furs; jumps up quickly, moves 
the furs, and then sits again. 

Steven. That was an extraordinary thing. No 
one knows how it happened, but she lost every 
cent. 

Coast. But — 

Steven. Dear old Georgiana pays the interest 
for me, and the old lady doesn't know. 

Coast, Georgiana's a damn fine girl. 



46 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. She is ! I'll pay her back out of this 
coup, too, another good thing. 

Coast. Fine ! 

Steven. I believe I'll go back down town now. 
[Both rise and go Left as Moles comes in. 

Coast. All right. Come on, we'll go together. 

Steven. Good! 

Moles. Please, sir, may I speak to you a min- 
ute, Mr. Carley? 

Coast. I'll wait downstairs, Steve. 

[He goes out Left. 

Steven. Yes, Moles? 

Moles. The champagne is out, sir. 

Steven. Order another case. 

Moles. I did, three days ago, over the telephone, 
and I called them up yesterday to ask about it, and 
they said your bill was so long oustanding they'd 
please like it settled before filling any future orders. 



HER OWN WAY 47 

Steven. Tell Mrs. Carley; the household bills 
are her affair, aren't they? 

Moles. She says there is some mistake. She 
gave you a check for the wine bill last month, sir. 

Steven. Did she ? Oh, of course she did. It 
was the day I heard about Alabama Rails and I 
bought a couple on margin! They're down just 
now. The wine people must wait. 

[Dismissing him. 

Moles. But we've a big luncheon, sir, to- 
morrow and no wine. 

Steven. Very well, then, I'll get Miss Georgi- 
ana to give you a check. I don't want to bother 
Mrs. Carley, she's got a headache. 

Moles. The wages are due, sir, and the trades 
books weren't settled last month. 

Steven. Well, I'll attend to it all to-morrow 
or next day, Moles. Give me my coat, will you? 



48 HER OWN WAY 

[Moles gets the coat from the sofa and hands it to 
Steven.] I've been short of ready money for a 
little while, but things are looking up. By the 
way, you're a good sort; I'd like to do you a good 
turn. I happen to be on to something, Moles, 
on to something down in Wall Street. Would you 
like to make a little money? 

Moles. [Brightening visibly.] Indeed and I 
would, sir. I've got two thousand three hundred 
and sixteen dollars in my savings bank, and I've 
heard of how these Wall Street magnums made 
fortunes out of less'n that. 

Steven. I'll double it for you ! You get it for 
me, Moles, and I'll make it into five or six thou- 
sand for you, sure ! 

Moles. Thank you, sir! 

Steven. [Writes in note book.] I'll put in an 
order to buy for you the first thing in the morn- 



HER OWN WAY 49 

ing; and you have your money down at my office 
by ten o'clock, can you? 

Moles. Yes, sir, I can get off in the morning. 
I can't thank you enough, sir ! 

Steven. Oh, that's all right, — we'll be a rich 
household here before we get through, Moles. 
They'll be telephoning us to please send in some 
orders for champagne ! 

[Puts note-book away. 

Moles. Oh, don't trouble about these bills, sir. 
I can hold off the people a little longer, and I'll 
order the wine in another place. 

Steven. That's a good boy, Moles, then I 
won't have to bother my sister. 

Moles. Yes, sir. 

[He goes out as Georgiana and the children 
enter Left. 

Georgiana. Here's papa ! Come along, now, 

E 



50 HER OWN WAY 

Steve, I've promised the children a game of hide 
and go seek! 

Steven. All right, I knew father wanted to do 
something very much, — only couldn't think what. 
Of Course, it was hide and seek ! 
Georgiana. Philip must be "it" first! 
Philip. All right ! 

[Philip goes into the corner Right, with 
his back to the others. All hide behind 
or under the different pieces of furniture — 
Georgiana under the table, Toots back 
of the rocker, Steven under the sofa, 
etc. 
Philip. [Impatient.] Are you ready? 

[Pause. 
Christopher. Not yet ! 

[Getting behind curtains Centre window. 
Philip. Now are you ready? 



HER OWN WAY 51 

[Lizzie comes in Left, as soon as Steven hides 
under sofa. 

Georgiana. Not yet ! 

[Getting under the table. 

Lizzie. Mr. Carley, please, sir! 

Steven. [Putting his head out from under the 
sofa.] Yes, Lizzie? 

Christopher. Don't turn round, Phil, it's 
only Lizzie. Wait ! 

Lizzie. Excuse me, but Mr. Coast sent me 
upstairs to see — 

Steven. Oh, by George, yes! [Coming out 
from the sofa.] I forgot. I must go back down 
town. 

Philip. Oh, pshaw ! 

[About to turn. 

Georgiana. Don't turn, Phil ! 

Christopher. No, the rest of us is hid ! 



52 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. I'm sorry, children ! Father'd a great 
deal rather play hide and seek, but he's got to go 
to work. It's just like when you'd rather play but 
have to study ! 

Philip. When I get growed, I shan't never do 
anything I don't want to. 

Georgiana. Then you'd be the most wonder- 
ful person in the world, and they'd put you in 
wax in the Eden Musee ! 

Steven. [Kissing Phil, then Chris, then 
Toots.] Good-by, dears. 

The Children. [Dolefully.] Good-by. 

[Steven crosses to the door Left. 

Georgiana. Never mind, I'll finish with you. 
Don't turn around, Phil. 

Lizzie. [At the door Left.] Beg pardon, sir, but 
Moles has been and told me what you was going 
to do for him, sir. Would you be considering it 



HER OWN WAY 53 

great impertinence if I asked you to take six hun- 
dred dollars what I've saved, sir, and do things 
with it ? 

Steven. Certainly, Lizzie, send it by Moles in 
the morning. 
Lizzie. [Delighted.] Oh, thank you, sir! 
Steven. I'm glad to do it; you've served us 
faithfully for some years now, Lizzie. 

[He goes out. 
Lizzie. He's gone, miss. 

[She goes out also. 

Georgiana. [Calls.] Ready! 

[Philip turns and looks about the room, then 

begins to look under things. He sees his Aunt 

Georgiana first and is about to touch her, 

but she laughingly motions him not to and 

points out Toots's hiding place. 

Philip. [FindingTooTS, touches him.] You're it! 



54 HER OWN WAY 

Toots. [Very pleased.] I'm it! I'm it! 

[Jumps up and down. 

Christopher. [Disappointed.] Somebody find 
me. 

Philip. Oh, come on out from behind the cur- 
tain — you're — easy. 

[Christopher comes out. Meanwhile Coleman 
is heard calling, "Hello, Phil, Phil" outside 
as he comes up the stairs. 

Philip. [By the hobby horse.] It's Mr. Dick! 

The Children. It's Mr. Dick ! 

Georgiana. Oh! 

[Starts to get out from under the table, but Cole- 
man enters, so she crawls back. 

[Lieutenant Richard Coleman is a handsome, 
-finely built man of about thirty-two. He is a 
West Pointer, is a good oarsman, a crack shot, 
and a good fellow all around. No finicking 



HER OWN WAY 55 

about him, no nerves. Just a sane, healthy, 
fine fellow. 

Dick. Hello! Many happy returns, Phil. 
[Shakes hands.] Where's your Aunt Georgiana ! 
[Silence.] Is she out? 

Phil. No, she's under the table! 

Christopher and Toots. [Delighted.] She's 
under the table! She's under the table! 

Dick. [Laughing.] What! 

Philip. Hide and seek. 

[Dick looks under the table; he and Georgiana 
laugh. 

Dick. Good morning, are you at home ? 

Georgiana. [Very embarrassed.] Oh, mercy! 
Do go away so I can get out ! 

Dick. [Tremendously amused.] Come on 
out! 

Georgiana. No! I can't with you there. 



5 6 HER OWN WAY 

[Laughing.] Please leave the room for just one 
minute ! 

Dick. Not if I know it ! Come on out ! 

Georgian a. Not for worlds ! Go away, please ! 
[Dick shakes his head "No."] Then I shall never 
come out. 

Dick. Ah, but that's hardly fair, because I 
want to talk to you comfortably. 

Georgiana. Well, then, come on under! 

Dick. Is there room? 

Georgiana. A cable car conductor who knew 
his business could seat four more people in here. 

Dick. Still — I think I'm more comfortable up 
here. 

Georgiana. Selfish! Go on away! [Dick 
shakes his head.] Children, if you love your 
auntie, go for Mr. Dick with all your might and 
main and push him into the hall. 



HER OWN WAY 57 

[The children shout and rush toward Dick ; they 

catch hold 0} him. 
The Children. Go away ! 
Dick. [With mock ferocity.] The first child I 
get hold of I'll spank ! 

[The children laugh and shout and run away 

from him to behind the table. 
The Children. Spank ! 

Georgiana. Ogre ! Very well ! After all, I'm 
not vain ! It would take Barnum's human snake 
to get out of this gracefully, anyway! 

[Coming out, arranging her dress and hair. 
Dick. Have some help? 

Georgiana. No, thank you. But still, what a 
horrid person you are, aren't you? 

[They both laugh. 
Dick. You aren't ! 
Georgiana. O dear me ! Making up now 



58 HER OWN WAY 

with a compliment ! Well, what do you think of 
my birthday antics? Playing hide and seek — 
or, perhaps, trained elephants — doesn't interest 
you! 

Christopher. Lelephants! Oh, Auntie! Is 
the circus coming? 

[The children give themselves up to transports. 
Phil hugs Toots and repeats "Circus" 

Georgiana. No, darling, but this circus is going 
— your old-maid aunt — to put herself to rights ! 

Dick. You couldn't improve on present ap- 
pearances ! 

Georgiana. Really ! Such fine speeches ! But 
they don't go with your manners! Would you 
like to join in the game? 

Philip. Oh, yes ! Hurrah ! 

[Runs to Dick, when Mrs. Carley comes in 
from the Left. 



HER OWN WAY 59 

Mrs. Carley. Well ! What's going on ? 

Philip. Birthdays! 

Mrs. Carley. Not for me ! 

Georgiana. Don't you want to play hide and 
go seek, mother? 

Mrs. Carley. I'm playing it all the time with 
old age ! That's enough ! 

Georgiana. Well, excuse me, please, while I 
repair damages. 

[She goes out Right. 

Dick. [Calls.] Come back. 

Children. [Calling.] Come back ! 

Mrs. Carley. I want the children for a few 
minutes. 

The Children. [Disappointed.] Oh, Grannie ! 

[She goes to children and drives them off Left 
ahead of her. 

The Children. Oh, Grandma ! 



60 HER OWN WAY 

Mrs. Carley. Mrs. Vale is downstairs with the 
twins, to wish Phil many happy returns. 

[The children go out Left unwillingly. Mrs. 
Carley comes back. 

Dick. Going to spoil our game, Grandma ? 

Mrs. Carley. Don't you grandma me ! You're 
old enough for me to marry you. 

Dick. Help! 

Mrs. Carley. Don't worry! Having lost two 
good husbands, I'm not going to risk losing a third. 

Dick. I breathe freely once more. 

Mrs. Carley. I thought Sammy Coast was 
here. 

Dick. Not since I came. He seems a clever 
chap! 

Mrs. Carley. We think so, and we hope so. 
He adores Georgiana. 

Dick. Oh! 



HER OWN WAY 61 

Mrs. Carley. Huh! huh! [Dick walks away.] 
What do you say to that match? 

Dick. You don't mean ? — 

[Turns to Mrs. Carley. 

Mrs. Carley. Looks like it! It would be a 
fine thing for both of them. Sam could give her a 
fortune, and Georgiana give him a big position. 

Dick. But — 

Mrs. Carley. He's crazy about her! Comes 
here every day — follows her like a dog. 

Dick. But it isn't — 

Mrs. Carley. [Interrupting.] Not yet, but we 
don't dare breathe! And we're on tiptoe for the 
final word. 

Dick. What does Steven say? 

Mrs. Carley. Delighted, of course. [Walks 
away a little.] I hope you haven't brought Steve 
any tips to-day. 



62 HER OWN WAY 

Dick. [Laughing.] No ! 

Mrs. Carley. Thank goodness! He doesn't 
seem to have had any this week and the house has 
been fairly quiet! [Georgiana comes back.] I 
must go to Mrs. Vale. [Goes out.] 

Georgiana. Mother looks pleased. 

Dick. She's never very depressed, is she? 

Georgiana. Yes, sometimes, — in the day- 
time! It's largely a matter of frocks and bon- 
nets, and depends sometimes on the exact color 
of her hair. 

Dick. I often wonder that you keep on living 
with Mrs. Carley and Louise. They can't help 
being beastly uncongenial to you. 

Georgiana. But Mrs. Carley brought me up. 
She did her worst with the best intentions, and you 
musn't forget Steve ! [She sits beside the table and 
Dick leans against it to talk to her.] He's my own 



HER OWN WAY 63 

brother, you know, and I'm so afraid Louise will 
finally disillusion him and spoil his happiness. 
I'm standing on guard. 

Dick. You think a lot of Steve. 

Georgiana. I love him better than any one 

else in the world. [She adds in a very low voice.] 

Almost ! 

[A short pause. 

Dick. Steve comes second! 

[Pause. 

Georgiana. [Low voice and looking away.] 
Perhaps. 

Dick. I hope you don't mind my asking you 
these questions. 

Georgiana. No, I like it. 

Dick. I don't want you to tell me anything 
more than you care to. 

Georgiana. [Turning and half laughing.] 
That's very good of you. 



64 HER OWN WAY 

Dick. But I wish you'd tell me everything. 

Georgiana. My dear Dick, there isn't any- 
thing more for me to tell. 

Dick. Oh, very well, if you want to leave it 
that way. 

[Moving away, 

Georgiana. Leave what? 

Dick. I mean if that's all you want to tell me. 

Georgiana. Why don't you tell me something. 

Dick. That's what I've come to do. 

Georgiana. Have you? 

Dick. [Turns and faces Georgiana.] Our regi- 
ment is ordered off to the Philippines. 

Georgiana. Your regiment? 

Dick. Yes. 

Georgiana. [Breathless.] Who's going? 

Dick. Who? Why, we're going, of course. 

Georgiana. All of you ? 



HER OWN WAY 65 

Dick. Yes, all of us. There are two insurrec- 
tions on a couple of islands that must be put down, 
and they want some fresh men. 

Georgiana. But it w T ill be awful warfare out 
there, won't it, unfair, cruel, unlawful warfare? 

Dick. I suppose that's what it's likely to be 
with the natives until we teach them a thorough 
lesson on every one of the infernal islands. 

Georgiana. But — 

{Hesitates, rises ; they are loth in front 0} the table. 

Dick. But what? 

Georgiana. [Pause.] But your business, — how 
can you leave your office? 

Dick. There are plenty of people who'll be 
only too glad to take on my clients. 

Georgiana. But when you come back ? 

Dick. If the worst comes to the worst, I'll have 
to begin all over again. 

F 



66 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. No ! Don't go — Dick ! Don't 
go! 

Dick. Why not? 

Georgiana. {Humorously, to cover her emotion.] 
I don't want any one else to get your clients. 

Dick. Oh, you were thinking of my career! 
That'll take care of itself if I come back — and 
if I don't — 

Georgiana. Please! 

Dick. They said we were a lot of dandies in the 
regiment, and that if it ever came to fighting, 
people'd see us back down ! 

Georgiana. But need you all go? 

Dick. That's the glory of it ! It's fine, Georgy. 
There isn't a single man who'll be left behind, not 
on any old excuse ! 

Georgiana. Splendid ! 

Dick. You do want me to go, then, don't you ? 



HER OWN WAY 67 

Georgiana. Yes, if it's like that, I want you to 
go — but — I want you to come back, too ! 

[Almost breaking down.] 

Dick. Hello ! I believe you're crying. 

Georgiana. I'm not ! 

Dick. [Tenderly, scarcely believing.] Do you 
care so much as that, Georgy? 

Georgiana. [Proudly.] Of course I care! 

Dick. It's funny, isn't it — think how long 
we've known each other. 

Georgiana. [Still with a choke and a tear.] 
I don't see why it's funny. 

Dick. What I mean is, we're sentimental beasts 
— we people. 

Georgiana. Thank you, I don't care for the 
way you put it. 

Dick. [Takes a long breath.] Well, I wish you 
joy, Georgiana. 



68 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. Much obliged. 

Dick. And good-by. 

[Shakes hands. 

Georgiana. [Rises.] Not now, for good. 

Dick. [Laughing.] Oh, no, we aren't off for ten 
days yet. But I wanted to tell my old pal first. 

Georgiana. That was good of you. And you'll 
come in often before you go, won't you, Dick ? 

Dick. You bet ! Every chance I get. 

[Both go up to the window. He has meant to go> 
but she manoeuvres him to the big seat instead. 

Georgiana. And anything I can do for you ? 

[She sits. 

Dick. [Sitting beside her.] Oh, I don't think 
there can be anything. 

Georgiana. Oh, yes, there is always something 
women can do for men who go away to fight. 
They make things ! Let me make something for you. 



HER OWN WAY 69 

Dick. Can't think of anything. Got everything 
I want. 

Georgiana. You're a lucky man to have every- 
thing you want — and going off to the Philippines 
with a jolly crowd of friends and glad you're going ! 
I take back all my sympathy, and I wouldn't make 
you anything now if you asked me to. 

Dick. And, by George, just when I'd thought 
of something. 

Georgiana. What? 

Dick. [Laughing.] A court-plaster case ! 

Georgiana. You can buy one in a drug 
store. 

Dick. I ought to have some present to carry 
in my breast pocket; don't you know bullets are 
always warded off that way? 

Georgiana. Oh, that was in the old romantic 
days of the nineteenth century, and then it was a 



70 HER OWN WAY 

prayer book or a bunch of love letters. To-day 
it's much more apt to be a cigarette case ! 

[The children run in, led by Philip. 
Philip. They've gone! Hurrah! They've 
gone ! 

[Georgiana and Dick rise. 
Christopher. They've gone! They've gone! 

[Toots hangs on to Dick. 
Philip. [Taking hold of Georgiana.] Come 
on, now, our game, or we'll never have it! 
Christopher. Blindman's buff! 
Toots. Yes, blindman's buff! 
Georgiana. [To Dick.] Are you game? 
Dick. Just one round, and then I must be off. 
I'll be blindfolded. 

[Takes out his handkerchief. 
Toots. I want to be blindfolded! 
Philip. No! Let Mr. Dick! 



HER OWN WAY 71 

Dick. [Giving his handkerchief to Georgiana.] 
Will you blindfold me? 

Georgiana. [Binds his eyes.] To my faults? 

Dick. That would be Love's Labour Lost. 

Georgiana. How do you mean Love's Labour 
Lost? 

Philip. Don't let him peek! 

Dick. And whoever I catch, I kiss ! 

Philip. No, tell the name first! 

Dick. No, I must play my own game, and that 
is to kiss her first, and tell the name after- 
wards ! 

Georgiana. Now, turn him around three times, 
Christopher. [Christopher does so, holding Dick 
by the knees.] And keep away, everybody ! 

Christopher. Ready! 

[All watch eagerly. Dick moves down stage, 
reaching his arms out as a blindfolded person 



72 HER OWN WAY 

does, but always with his arms too high to 
catch one of the children. . 

Philip. Put your arms lower! 

Christopher. Yes, you can only catch Aunt 
Georgiana that way! 

[Georgiana, happy, pinches Christopher's 
arm playfully. Dick lowers his arms for a 
moment, but purposely catches no one. Then 
he lifts his arms a little towards Georgiana, 
who cries out and moves, lifting Toots on 
the table. Dick follows the sound of her voice 
and catches hold of Toots's head. 

Philip. [Excited.] Musn't move your hands! 

Dick. Make her kiss me, then. 

[Georgiana leans over, holding Toots to one 
side, and kisses Dick herself. 

Philip. [Delighted, calls out.] Guess who! 
Guess who ! 



HER OWN WAY 73 

[Georgiana motions to the children not to tell 

and moves away. 
Dick. [Hearing the voice from where he sup- 
poses the kiss came, he takes off the bandage. 
He sees Toots and is disappointed.] Why — I 
thought it was Georgiana ! Toots ! You 
rascal ! 

Christopher. [Trying to tell.] But Mr. Dick, 
Mr. Dick ! 

[Toots laughs and claps hands. Georgiana 
gets hold 0} Christopher and holds her hand 
over his mouth. Georgiana and Chris- 
topher follow Dick to the door Left. 
Georgiana. [To Christopher, to stop his 
telling.] Sh! [To Dick.] Good-by! 
Dick. Good-by ! 

Toots. [Wanting to tell.] But — 
Philip. Good-by ! Good-by ! 



74 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. Good-by Dick! Come soon 
again ! 

Dick. To-morrow! 

Georgiana. I'll wait in all day! 

Christopher. But Mr. Dick, it was — 

[Georgiana hushes him with her hand over his 
mouth. 

Georgiana. Good-by! 

Dick. Good-by! 

[He goes out Left. 

Christopher, Philip, and Toots. Good-by ! 

[Georgiana bursts into tears and hugs Toots on 
top of the table. 

Christopher. But it was you, Aunt Georgiana ! 

Georgiana. Don't any of you tell on auntie ! 
You won't, will you? Let auntie have her own 
way. 

THE CURTAIN FALLS 



ACT II 

The drawing-room at the Carleys\ A hand- 
some room in dark wood, with tapestry on the 
walls and an old portrait built in over the mantle. 
The furniture is gilt, Louis XVI, covered with old 
crimson brocade. There is a warmth about the 
room, a profusion of flowers , some books and 
magazines. A piano in the upper left-hand 
corner, a window with a balcony at Left. Doors 
Right and Left. Louise and Mrs. Carle y are 
replacing the furniture, which has been dis- 
arranged. Out on the balcony Moles is seen, 
with Philip and Christopher, arranging an 
American flag on the balcony balustrade. 

75 



76 HER OWN WAY 

Louise. Thank goodness, the luncheon's over ! 

Mrs. Carley. Yes, I thought they'd never go, 
and I've got the Shindle woman coming to do 
my hair. 

Louise. I noticed it was getting a little dark 
at the wrong end, mother. 

Mrs. Carley. What was it Steve said this 
morning? It was always darkest before blond! 
Well, it's lucky I'm good-natured so long as I live 
in this family and don't want to grow old. 

Louise. What are they doing on the balcony ? 

Mrs. Carley. Dick Coleman's regiment marches 
by here this afternoon. 

[She sits by a table Right. 

Louise. Do they start for the Philippines 
to-day? 

Mrs. Carley. Yes, and the President is to 
receive them in front of the Plaza. 



HER OWN WAY 77 

Louise. [Coming to her.] Have you noticed 
Steve ? 

Mrs. Carley. No, — has he got a new 
suit? 

Louise. No, something's troubling him. 
[Thoughtfully.] I believe he's been speculating 
again and has lost. 

Mrs. Carley. He couldn't; he hasn't got any- 
thing more to lose. 

Louise. [Petulantly.] He hasn't played with the 
children for a week and he hates going out so 
lately, — wants to refuse every invitation ! Even 
the ones you and I've been patting ourselves on 
the back for getting ! I can't stand it. 

Mrs. Carley. Quite right, too — if one doesn't 
go out, where can one go, and if we don't go 
anywhere, what are we to do? We can't stay 
home. [Rising, she crosses to mirror on table 



78 HER OWN WAY 

Left.] I say, dear, what about having my hair a 
little redder ? 

Louise. Let me see ! [Mrs. Carley faces her 
— Louise examines her critically.] I wouldn't 
much; if you do, people will say you dye it. 

Mrs. Carley. I don't care what they say, so 
long as they don't say it to my face. Have you 
had yours massaged this morning ? 

Louise. Yes, why? 

[Goes to mirror and, pushing Mrs. Carley out 
of the way, examines her face in the glass. 

Mrs. Carley. Nothing, only I think you must 
have it done religiously, darling; the crow's feet 
are beginning to come. 

[Sits on sofa and begins to crochet on an afghan. 

Louise. Oh, I'm worried to-day and besides, I 
think our masseuse is getting careless. [Turns, 
goes up to Mrs. Carley, and sits on the sofa.] 



HER OWN WAY 79 

I'm going to change her; she never tells you 
anything about anybody, anyway. 

Mrs. Carley. I told you that the first day she 
came. She was positively rude the way she re- 
fused to be pumped by me about the people next 
door. Do you know I'm worried too. [Rises, 
gives Louise her work, and again looks in the 
glass.] I think my hips are getting bigger. 

Louise. Well, my dear mother, you must have 
hips sometime in your life, and you've done pretty 
well. Look at your friend, Mrs. Brint. 

[Footman enters with tray, goes to table Right, 
and collects the small cups and saucers. 

Mrs. Carley. My dear! when Sarah Brint 
was married she looked like a widow! [Louise 
laughs.] It made me so mad seeing the people eat 
everything the way they did. 

Louise. Mamma, you're so amusing. Of course 



80 HER OWN WAY 

we do have good food; we must get people here 
somehow. 

Mrs. Carley. And I not daring to eat a thing ! 
Why is it nice things are all fattening ? 

[The Footman goes out. 

Louise. [Rises and comes to Mrs. Carley.] 
Does it strike you that this dress of mine makes 
me look too short- waisted ? 

Mrs. Carley. Turn round. [Louise does so.] 
Yes ! don't wear it again. 

Louise. [Irritated.] Why didn't you tell me 
before lunch ? 

Mrs. Carley. I didn't notice it ! 

Louise. [Angry. Turns to mirror and then to 
Mrs. Carley.] That's just it ! You don't care ! 
You don't think of me ever ! You only think of 
yourself ! 

Mrs. Carley. [Angry.] That's not true. I've 



HER OWN WAY 81 

sacrificed my life for you, and for what 
good? 

Louise. What good! Good heavens, haven't 
Steve and I done everything for you, lugged you 
into the best position almost in New York? 

Mrs. Carley. Yes, that's just it, "almost!" 
Your husband hates me and you back him up — 
and keep me in the background ! 

Louise. I couldn't! You wouldn't stay there. 
[With a disagreeable laugh. 

Mrs. Carley. [Sits in chair left of the table.] 
That's it, insult me, — but I've had enough ! I've 
made up my mind, anyway, to leave your house 
and live by myself. 

[Whimpering. 

Louise. Oh, stop, mamma. You know I 
didn't mean anything. I'm sorry! 

Mrs. Carley. [Crying.] No, I'm in the way. 



82 HER OWN WAY 

Louise. You're not in the way. You know 
I couldn't live without my darling pretty little 
mamma. Please stop crying and kiss me. 

[Puts her arms around her. 

Mrs. Carley. [Still crying.] I haven't any- 
body in the world but you. 

Louise. Don't I know that, don't I know I 
couldn't get on without you ! There ! [Kisses her.] 
Now it's all right. Come on, darling, come up 
and get your hair dyed. 

Mrs. Carley. [Pleasantly.] Sh! don't call it 
that! 

Louise. I am irritable lately, I know it — but 
I see without our money even Steve couldn't get 
us a decent position. We might just as well face 
the truth. Certain people don't appreciate you 
and me, mamma. We aren't even acquired 
tastes. 



HER OWN WAY S3 

Mrs. Carley. No one ever appreciated me 
long. I was prettier than you were at your age, 
and my husbands both fell in love with me at 
first sight. But I never wore well. 

[She takes a magazine from the table and begins 
to cut the pages. 

Louise. I wonder if Georgiana will marry 
Sammy ! 

Mrs. Carley. I wish to goodness she would. 

Louise. I believe she's in love with Mr. Cole- 
man. 

Mrs. Carley. No, they've always known each 
other. 

Louise. Well, some people wear better than 

we do, that's all! and I believe she's in love 

with him, whether either of them know it or not. 

[Georgiana comes in Left with Bella 

Shindle. Miss Shindle is a florid, buxom 



84 HER OWN WAY 

young person, pleased with herself and 
all the world. She carries several pack- 
ages. 
Georgiana. Here's Bella, mother. 
Everybody. How are you, Bella ? 
Georgiana. All your guests gone ? 
[She sits left of table. Mrs. Carle y goes back 

of table, and Louise moves to the right. 
Mrs. Carley. Yes, thank goodness! You 
might have been here. 

Georgiana. You know I can't stand your 
would-be smart parties! 

Louise. I think they're always angry when 
they don't see you. 

Georgiana. Nonsense! Did you have a good 
time ? Pick everybody else to pieces ? 

Louise. No, we all said nice things about 
Mrs. Lothman. 



HER OWN WAY 85 

Georgiana. Mercy! What's the matter with 
her? 

Louise. My dear, she's a perfect nonentity; she 
might just as well not exist. 

Georgiana. [Amused.] Well, to tell the truth, 
I don't care much about her myself. She's 
one of those boring creatures who when you ask 
her how she is, really tells you ! 

Mrs. Carley. You with fancy work! What 
in the world are you doing ? 

Georgiana. I am knitting a tie for Dick! 

Mrs. Carley. Good gracious. Well, I'll go 
upstairs and get into something loose. I'll be 
ready in ten minutes. 

[She goes out Right. 

Louise. I must see the children; I haven't 
seen them to-day. 

[She follows her mother out. 



86 HER OWN WAY 

Bella. Miss Carley. 

Georgiana. Yes, Bella. 

Bella. Mr. Coleman, Lieutenant Coleman, is 
going to the Philippines to-day. 

Georgiana. [Sighing involuntarily.] Yes, 
Bella. 

Bella. I've got a friend going along. 

Georgiana. In the company? 

Bella. Yes — well, I don't mind telling you — 
he's my young man, Miss Carley. 

Georgiana. Why, Bella, I didn't know you were 
engaged ? 

Bella. Well, I don't know as you'd call it 
exactly, yes I would say as we was engaged — 
though I haven't got a ring. But we're going to 
get married when he comes back, if hugging and 
kissing is binding, which I guess, with witnesses ! 
He wanted to give me a ring of his mother's, but 



HER OWN WAY 87 

I said "No," I wouldn't take that, it was sacred 
and he'd always wore it. You see it was an old- 
fashioned-looking sort of onyx stone with oyster 
pearls, and not for me — I'd rather wait. 

Georgiana. You have an eye out on the main 
chance, Bella. 

Bella. Well, I wasn't born yesterday. Say, all 
the girls was crazy about him. I met him to danc- 
ing school Tuesday evenings at Adelphi Hall and 
we started right in, every Sunday night to church 
and every Saturday to the theatre. He enjoyed 
Sundays best and I Saturdays, but I felt it was 
because church was cheapest. He's dreadful 
economical. 

Georgiana. You get more attention than I 
do from my soldier. You at least have the conso- 
lation of knowing you're the girl he's left behind. 

Bella. 'Tain't much consolation if I get left 



88 HER OWN WAY 

for good! Say, will you ask Mr. Coleman to sort 
o' look after him ? Ask him to please put him in the 
back row when there's fighting — and keep an eye 
on his health. I'm afraid it's dreadful damp 
being a soldier; and do you know that man 
actually catches cold if he forgets his rubbers and 
it sprinkles? 

Georgiana. I don't think he ought to go if he's 
so delicate; Mr. Coleman will take an interest in 
your friend, I know, if I ask him. What's his 
name? 

Bella. Mr. Gootch. 

Georgiana. Mr. Gootch! Yes, I can remember 
that. But, you see, if he's a soldier he must do 
his duty, whatever it is. 

Bella. There's no holding him back! He's 
jus' as likely as not to lose his position at Snipleys, 
Crabford & Snipleys, too, but he will go ! It's 



HER OWN WAY 89 

surprising to see a man with such a weak chest 
and delicate feet, so awful brave and persistent. 

Louise. [Coming back.] I bore the children 
to death, so I left them. What are all these 
bundles, Bella? 

Bella. Christmas presents. This is just the 
time of the year to buy, you know, you can get 
such bargains ! and if there's one thing I think 
nicer'n anything else to get cheap, it's Christmas 
presents. 

Georgiana. You should do like Mrs. Carley, 
Bella, save half of the things you get one year to 
give away the next. 

[She sits by the table and goes on with her 
work. 

Louise. I always do that. I get so many things 
I can't bear. 

Georgiana, But you must be careful not to 



90 HER OWN WAY 

send them back to the same place they came from ! 
That has happened. 

Louise. Georgiana ! 

[Bella laughs out loud and sits on the sofa. 
Louise sits opposite Georgiana. 

Georgiana. What have you got? Sit down 
and tell us. 

Bella. Thank you, ma'am. [Delighted with the 
opportunity. Taking up the different parcels.] 
Well, I've got an elegant pair of scissors for mother, 
marked down because of a flaw in the steel, but 
she's near-sighted, and she don't want to use 'em any- 
way — it's just to feel she has another pair. Scis- 
sors is mother's fad — sort of born in her, I guess, 
for my mother's mother was a kind of dress- 
maker. She didn't have robes and mantucks over 
her door, you know, — she was too swell for that, — 
she went out by the day ! And this is a real bronze 



HER OWN WAY 91 

Louis ink-stand for my sister's husband, only cost 
thirty-nine cents and hasn't got a thing the mat- 
ter with it, so long as you don't see the others 
— if you see the others, you'll observe that there's 
a naked lady missing off the top part which I'm 
glad of anyway as I'm giving it to a gentleman, 
and he'll never see the others besides. And this is 
two boxes of writing paper; aren't they huge I 
awful cheap with a lovely picture of an actress 
on top — Lillian Russell in Mice and Men, I think, 
on one, and Jean Duresk the Opera Singer in 
Lonegrind on the other. The boxes 'av got false 
bottoms — so there ain't very much writing ma- 
terial, but the rich effect's there all the same. 

Georgiana. [Laughing.] Bella, you're a won- 
derful shopper ! 

Bella. And this is a copy of Homer's Iliad for 
my sister. Do you know it? Is it nice? Any- 



92 HER OWN WAY 

thing like Hall Caine's works, or Mary Corelli's? 
She's always been my sister's favorite writeress. 
You see they've got a whole counter of these beau- 
tifully bound in red and gold, and only nineteen 
cents. But it's so hard to decide which to buy. 
I've about decided now to take this back and change 
it for Lucille. Which do you think my sister'd like 
best, Homer's Iliad or Lucille ? 

Georgiana. I believe she'd prefer Lucille, and 
besides half the fun in shopping is in the changing 
one's mind and taking things back, don't you think 
so? 

Bella. Yes, ma'am, I think so. 

[Moles enters Left. 

Moles. Mr. Coast to see Miss Georgiana, 
please. 

[Bella rises. 

Georgiana. Did you say I was in? 



HER OWN WAY 93 

Moles. Yes, miss. 

Georgiana. What a bore ! Very well, Moles. 

[He goes out. 
Bella. I'll be going up to Mrs. Carley, now. 

[Goes toward the door Right. 
Georgiana. Wait a minute, Bella. I want you 
to do something for me. Entertain Sammy, Louise, 
till I come back. 

[She goes out with Bella. 
Louise. I never was able to entertain Sammy, 
but I'll do my best. 

[Coast enters, announced by Moles, who im- 
mediately exits. 
Coast. Hello, Lou, how goes it? 
Louise. Beastly! 
Coast. Where's Miss Georgiana? 
Louise. She'll be down in a minute. Sam, do 
you know what's the matter with Steve? 



94 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Probably he's been losing. 

Louise. Whose money? 

Coast. Everybody's. 

Louise. But can't you help him ? 

Coast. No; it's not my business. 

[Sits on the sofa, putting the pillows out of his 
way. 

Louise. But he's my husband, and you're my 
cousin. 

Coast. What's the difference? Twenty years 
ago, when your father was rich as Croesus and my 
guv'ner and I up a stump for — tobacco, anyway, 
if not for bread, did he lift a finger to help us? 
not on your life ! That lets me out ! Every man 
for himself — and listen, if I wanted to starve I 
could lose a real good fortune through Steve Carley, 
without any outside help. 

Louise. I told mother you'd be like that. 



HER OWN WAV 95 

Coast. We're all pretty much alike; she'd 
recognize the Coast family. 

Louise. If you were married to Georgiana, 
you couldn't ignore her brother. She isn't like 
us. 

Coast. Well, if I could get Georgiana, [Going 
to Louise.] I'd be willing to do a good deal. 
She's the only woman I can see in this world my 
size. 

Louise. So I guessed, but if Dick Coleman 
proposes before he goes to the Philippines, I 
wouldn't give much for your chances. 

Coast. Listen, Lou; did you ever know me 
to lose anything I'd set my mind on getting. 

Louise. No. 

Coast. Well I mean to marry Georgiana, Dick 
Coleman or no Dick Coleman. No, I'll put it 
different from that. I mean to make her love me, 



96 HER OWN WAY 

because, by God, I love that woman so I'd do 
anything, commit a crime almost, to get her. 

[Steven enters Left and Coast goes up to the 
mantel. 

Louise. Steve, aren't you up town early? 

Steven. A little. 

[Sits Left. Moles enters. 

Moles. Beg pardon, sir. 

Louise. What is it, Moles? 

Moles. [To Louise.] Mr. Carley, m'm. [To 
Steven.] Could I speak with you a few moments, 
sir? 

Steven. I'm very busy to-day, Moles. 

Moles. But have you noticed sir, this morning, 
United Copper is lower. 

Steven. It can't be helped — go about your 
business. 

Moles. But for heaven's sake, Mr. Carley — 



HER OWN WAY 97 

you said yesterday if it dropped another point and 
we couldn't give up any more money, Lizzie and 
me'd both lose everything we had. 

Steven. I'm sorrier than I can say, but there 
are lots of others worse off than you. 

[Georgiana reenters Right. 

Coast. [Cynically to Steven.] You don't mean 
to say you've been speculating with Moles's money. 

Louise. Moles! 

Steven. It was for himself, not me, I put 
him in. 

Moles. And Lizzie, sir. And we'd counted it 
up, how if we made all you said, we could leave 
service soon, sir, and we could afford a small 
house in the country with say four rooms and 
one baby — Lizzie doing her own work. 

Louise. Do you mean to say, Steve, that your 
own servants have lost their earnings through you ? 

H 



98 HER OWN WAY 

Moles. Yes, m'm. 

Steven. [Doggedly.] Put it that way if you 
like. I meant to do them a good turn. 

Louise. But we can't let that happen; we 
must pay them back ! 

Coast. [Amused.] Bully for you, Louise! get- 
ting generous in your old age. 

Louise. It would ruin us socially if it got out ! 

Coast. Oh, I see! 

Moles. Mr. Carley said it was sure, ma'am. 

[Coast laughs a rather coarse laugh. 

Steven. For heaven's sake, Coast ! Go away, 

Moles. 

[Moles goes out Left. 

Coast. [To Steven.] Are they holding on for 

you? 

Steven. They said they'd give me till to-morrow 

to put up more security. 

[Sits Right. 



HER OWN WAV 99 

Coast. What do you need? 

[No answer. 

Louise. How much more security, Steve? 

[Goes to Steve. 

Steven. Say a hundred and fifty thousand. 

[Coast whistles. 

Louise. He'd better hold on, Sam, hadn't he; 
what do you think of the stock? 

Coast. Don't ask me. 

Louise. We've got to risk it, anyway. Use 
some of my bonds, Steve. 

Steven. Louise! 

Louise. Yes, I mean it, we must. 

Steven. You don't understand me — we can't 
use your security. 

Louise. Why not? 

Steven. [Rising and half turning away.] Not 

— again. 

LOFC. 



ioo HER OWN WAY 

Louise. How do you mean "again"? 

Steven. Your money is all there, all, already 
buried in it ! 

Louise. All my money? All of it! 

Steven. Yes, I wanted to win back your 
mother's, I wanted — 

[Interrupted. 

Louise. [Beside herself.] You wanted ! You 
wanted ! ! You wanted ! ! ! To ruin us, that is what 
I should say you wanted to do ! — Do you mean to 
say, behind my back, you've gambled away every 
cent I have, as well as all my mother's money ! ? ! 

Georgiana. No ! it's not possible — Steve ! 
[Comes between Steven and Louise. 

Steven. When did you come in, Georgy? 

Louise. Georgy! [No answer; she continues 
hysterically.] He can't deny it; it's true ! And it's 
rank dishonesty, that's what it is ! You've robbed 



HER OWN WAY 101 

me, you've robbed my mother, you've robbed your 
own children ! The papers will call you a — 

Steven, interrupting.} That's not true! I 
had control of your money — to do with as I 
choose, and I did what I thought was for the 
best. 

Louise. You've never done anything for me 
that wasn't for the worst ! 

[Walking up and down excitedly. 

Georgiana. Louise! 

Louise. It's true ! If I can save a cent out of 
this ruin, I'll take it and the children away from 
you ! I'll never live with you again ! I'll show 
you up to all your smart friends who've snubbed 
me ! I'll send you to state prison if I can ! 

[Sits in the arm-chair down Left. 

Coast. Shut up, Lou ! You'd better get a little 
legal advice before you start on that track. 



102 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. Louise! 

[Goes to Louise. 

Louise. Well, what have you got to say ? My 
mother brought you up, was a second mother to 
your brother who ruined us, but you've got your 
money, I suppose. You've been clever enough to 
keep your money in your own hands, — you and 
he will always have enough ! 

[Crying hysterically. 

Georgiana. Will you listen to me and let me 
say what I'm trying to? 

Louise. [Bursting into floods of tears, over- 
whelmed with sympathy for herself.] He's broken 
my heart! That's what he's done; broken my 
heart ! 

Georgiana. [Going to Louise.] Oh, no, he 
hasn't, Louise, he's only broken your bank, and 
you don't know the difference. I want to say to 



HER OWN WAY 103 

you now, — that all Steve needed was real love, 
and the guiding hand of a true, sensible woman — 

Steven. [Interrupting her, goes to Georgiana. 
Georgiana turns to Steve.] No, Georgy! You 
mustn't blame Louise! I love her and always 
will, just as she is. She doesn't mean all she says 
now — she's angry, and she has a right to be — 
I'm one of those men who never succeed — who 
never have any luck, and it's bad luck for her to 
have to share mine. 

Georgiana. Well, what's done's done ? But, as 
Louise says, my money's left. 

Steven. Yes, but — 

Georgiana. Mine must do for all of us. 

Coast. [Strongly.'] Excuse me, but I'll see 
that Louise and her mother don't suffer; you keep 
your money. 

Georgiana. No, that's not the point, Sam. I 



104 HER OWN WAY 

asked you once to give my brother advice and you 
refused. You might have prevented this, and now 
we can get along without your money. Steve 
won't have to go out of his own family to make up 
as far as he can for what he's lost out of yours. 

[Sam turns away to the mantel, 

Steven. Georgy ! O Georgy ! You're an angel ! 
[Hugging her and kissing her in a transport of 
relief.] I'll get out of it, you'll see ! I'll cover 
myself to-morrow. I can do that with your Croton 
Bonds and your Mutual Life and a couple of 
mortgages, and we'll win in the end, and Louise 
get hers back and mother too — ! [His arm 
about his wife.] It's sure in the end, iVs got to be, 
Louise. 

[There is no response from Louise. 

Georgiana. Steven, I have a condition about 
my money. 



HER OWN WAY 105 

Steven. [Crestfallen.] What ? 

Georgiana. It isn't to be used as you think. 
If I'm to help you, it must be in my own way. 

Steven. How do you mean ? 

Georgiana. What's lost is lost. I have be- 
tween five and six hundred thousand dollars, 
and we must all live on the income of that. And 
you must give your word of honor never to gam- 
ble in stocks again. 

[Sam comes back to front of table. 

Louise. [To Steven, suddenly realizing it 
again.] You let all my money go? 

Georgiana. [To Louise.] I will share what I 
have with you. 

Steven. [To Georgiana.] But you must let 
me try to get back — 

Georgiana. [Interrupting.] It would only be 
throwing good money after bad ! 



106 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. [Sardonically.] How about Moles and 
Lizzie ? 

Georgiana. Don't you worry about them! 
Moles and Lizzie shall have their money back, of 
course. 

Steven. But I can't do it, Georgy. It's losing 
— why it's like losing a million to us ! 

Georgiana. Suppose you went on speculating 
with my money, and it went the same way as 
Louise's and her mother's? 

Coast. And Lizzie's and Moles ? 

Steven. But it can't — it canHl 

[Steven sits on the sofa. Georgiana sits be- 
side Steven. Louise is still in the arm-chair 
Left. 

Georgiana. O Steve ! I 've heard that so often. 
[A pause.] You were always a straight boy, Steve, 
and you always kept your word. Your notion of 



HER OWN WAY 107 

honor, it seems to me, in little things hasn't been 
so strong lately, as this fever of speculation grew on 
you, but still you are the same Steve and you've 
never lied about your transactions ; so I have 
faith in you. Now let's settle this once and for 
all and my way I 

Steven. It's very hard, Georgiana. 

Louise. We can never all of us live on your 
income — not as we're used to. 

Georgiana. That's true. Come, Steve. Give 
me your word never to go into another 
speculation and let's throw it off for to-day. 
Dick's coming to say good-by. Let's give 
him happy memories of us, at least to take 
away with him. [A moment's pause.] Come, 
Steve ? 

Steven. [Low voice.] All right. 

Georgiana. No more speculating ; you'll give 



108 HER OWN WAY 

me your word — [Steven rises, Georgiana rises. 
Steven nods his head.] — of honor, Steve? 
Steven. Yes! 

[Nods his head. 
Georgiana. Then that's settled. 

[Gives Sam a calm, defiant look. 

Steven. O Georgy ! I don't seem grateful, but 

I am. I can't tell you! I can't say! But it's 

wonderful what you're doing ! God bless you ! 

[Puts his arms on Georgiana's shoulders. 

Georgiana. [With emotion, almost breaking 

down.] That's all right, Steve. We'll begin all 

over again. 

[She kisses him. 
Louise. [To Georgiana.] I suppose I ought 
to thank you too. 

Georgiana. No, don't bother. Come upstairs 
and have your hair shampooed. Bella must have 



HER OWN WAY 109 

painted mother red enough by now; it'll rest you 
and do you good. 

Louise. After all, you're no real relation of 
ours, and you've done a fine thing. 

Georgiana. [Very simply.] Don't talk about 
it. I wish it were more. I realize fully what it 
means to your mother and you to have all your 
money gone. But we'll put our shoulders to the 
wheel and make the best of it. Come, dear, 
come. 

[She goes out Right, Louise is about to follow, 
but is stopped by Steven. 

Steven. Louise, do you forgive me ? 

Louise. No, you ought to have asked my ad- 
vice — let me know. 

Steven. But when I used to talk to you about 
money matters, dear, you always begged me not to 
bother you. 



no HER OWN WAY 

Louise. I don't care, this is different. Sam ! 

[Nodding good-by. 

Coast. Do you mind my joining you to see the 
procession go by at five ? 

Louise. No! 

[She goes out Right. 

Steven. What procession? 

Coast. Coleman's regiment. 

[He puts his feet upon small gilt chair beside 
the table. 

Steven. Oh, yes! Well — I've made a pretty 
big mess of things. I'm not fit to live, that's what's 
the trouble with me. 

Coast. Oh, you must take everything in the 
day's work; but it's a pity she made you give her 
that promise. 

Steven. Why? 

Coast. [Goes to him.] You all can't live on the 



HER OWN WAY in 

income from five hundred thousand dollars. Now 
there'll be a bust up sure ! 

Steven. Ss! that's all I need. 

[Sits on the sofa. 

Coast. That promise of yours to Georgiana's 
binding, ain't it? 

Steven. [Looks up.] Of course. Why? 

Coast. No why. 

[A pause. 

Steven. You think United Copper will go up 
again ? 

Coast. If not, I know something that will. 

Steven. Something you're in yourself? 

Coast. Yes. 

Steven. And you'd put me on? 

Coast. Yep. I don't think there's any other 
way out of this for you all. 

Steven. Sam! 



112 HER OWN WAY 

[He rises. 

Coast. It's absolutely safe. 

Steven. I could get it back? Some, anyway, 
of what I've lost? 

Coast. Sure ! — 

Steven. But I gave Georgiana my word. 

Coast. Of course she got that promise out of 
you because she thought you'd lose again. 

Steven. Yes, but my word is my word. 

Coast. Do you suppose she'd mind, if you 
won, won back Louise's money, won back the 
girl's happiness? 

Steven. Suppose I tell her what you can do 
and ask her to let me off this once? 

Coast. No, women don't understand business. 
She wouldn't realize I can know I'd win, any more 
than you feel sure and lose. 

Steven. Yes, it would do no good to ask her. 



HER OWN WAY 113 

Coast. Too bad, because I'd guarantee you 
wouldn't lose, not this deal. Of course I wouldn't 
be responsible for any future transaction. 

Steven. But I'd be satisfied with this one, if 
I got back my losses. 

Coast. I don't say you'd get back all, in one 
deal, but a good start which might turn your luck. 

Steven. It's always like that; I've known such 
cases over and over again. But I've never yet 
broken my word to Georgiana, — somehow or 
other I feel as if I did that once I wouldn't have 
any hold over myself. 

Coast. I don't suppose you could get at her 
securities anyway this afternoon ? 

Steven. Oh, yes, I could. We have our deposit 
box together. 

Coast. Don't you think she'd forgive you when 
it means such a lot to Louise and her mother ? 
1 



114 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. Why shouldn't she ? 

Coast. Why don't you risk it? That promise 
was just to keep you from losing, and this time I'll 
see you don't lose — so why not ? 

Steven. By George, I will ! Georgiana really 
can't blame me when there's so much at stake. 

Coast. Can you get the stuff to-day ? 

Steven. [Looks at his watch.] Yes, if I 
hurry. 

Coast. All right, go ahead. I'll come to your 
office to-morrow at nine. Listen — I ain't sup- 
posed, of course, to have anything to do with 
this — and when you get it, don't go giving my tip 
to other chumps. 

Steven. Oh, no. 

Coast. What you do is on your own responsi- 
bility? 

Steven. Exactly, only you guarantee? 



HER OWN WAY 115 

Coast. That you don't lose this time. [Looking 
at his watch.] You'd better hurry. 

Steven. Thank you, Sam. 

[Shakes his hand. 

Coast. Oh, that's all right. Say, I want to marry 
your sister. No objection on your part, is there? 

Steven. Well, I should say not ! 

Coast. She don't seem to cotton to me. 

Steven. She doesn't know you. 

Coast. Do you think if she was up a tree for 
funds she'd look at me any kinder? 

Steven. Not a bit. 

Coast. Some women do. 

Steven. Not Georgiana ! Good-by. 

Coast. [To Steve.] So long. 

[Steven turns to go, but stops as Moles shows 
Coleman into the room. The latter is dressed 
in his uniform 0} first lieutenant. 



u6 HER OWN WAY 

Dick. Hello, Steven! Hello, Coast! 

Coast. We gates ! 

Steven. How are you, Dick ? Excuse me, I'm 
in a hurry. You're off to-day ? 

Dick. Yes, I've come to shake hands. 

Steven. Good-by, old man, and good luck — 
sorry to have to go ! Good-by ! 

[Shakes hands warmly, with feeling. 

Dick. Good-by. 

[Steven goes out Left. 

Coast. [Sitting Right.] Oh, I guess she ain't 
so different. 

Dick. Who? 

Coast. Georgiana, she's just a woman/ 

Dick. No, take my word for it, she's not a 
woman, she's the woman. 

[Sits on the piano bench. 



HER OWN WAY 117 

Coast. 'Spose she likes money and nice things 
always about her? 

Dick. She's always had them, — and always 
would if I could help give them to her. 

Coast. Huh, huh! Well — say, Steve's got 
himself in a devil of a hole ! Speculated with his 
wife's money — and they're broke. 

Dick. Good God, what do you mean ? 

[Rises. 

Coast. What I say. Steve is one of those good- 
hearted gulls who's a blame slob on the money 
market, and he's gone under to the extent of Aunt 
Laura's and Louise's spondulix, that's all. 

[He is rather amused. Dick goes back of 
table, puts his hat on it. 

Dick. What are they going to do? 

Coast. Georgiana wants to pony up like a 
brick and keep the whole lot! 



n8 HER OWN WAY 

Dick. Just like her! 

Coast. Oh, of course, I'll see Georgiana don't 
really lose by it in no way in the end. 

Dick. You will ? 

Coast. Why of course ! 

Dick. She isn't going to let Steve speculate 
with her money, is she? 

Coast. Can't say. 

[A pause. 

Dick. Look here, I'd like to help Steve myself, 
if I thought I could protect Georgiana., I'll let 
Steve have some money. You needn't say any- 
thing to anybody. How much will see him 
through ? 

Coast. That's real good of you, but I couldn't 
let outsiders help 'em. 

Dick. I'm not exactly an outsider; and the 
truth is, Coast, I'd give anything to have the right 



HER OWN WAY 119 

to help Georgiana. [A silence.] Look here. I'm 
going to ask you a question, straight out ! 
Coast. Fire ahead ! 

[Looks at Dick with a perfectly blank face. 
Dick. Anything between you and Georgiana? 
Coast. [After a short pause.] There is — 
Dick. Mrs. Carley hinted as much. 
Coast. [Unflinchingly.] I'm — er — I'm going 
to marry Georgiana. 
[-4 pause. Coast looks Dick in the eye, then 

away. 
Dick. Congratulate you, Coast! [Shakes his 
hand.] She's worth even more than you can give 
her! 
Coast. That's right! 

[Coast goes out on the balcony and whistles 
"Congo." Dick walks away and turns his 
back. Dick goes to the mantel and takes up 



120 HER OWN WAY 

a picture of Georgiana, looks at it, takes it 
out of the frame, and seeing that Coast isn't 
observing, puts it in his breast pocket. He 
turns round with a pathetic sort of half-laugh- 
ing exclamation to Coast. 
Dick. I say, Coast. [Coast comes in from the 
balcony.] I've been in love with Georgiana for years. 
Coast. That don't surprise me ! 

[Coast sits on the piano bench. 
Dick. I never realized it until the other day, 
when I found I was going to leave her, and — per- 
haps — not coming back, and then I found boy 
friendship had sort of grown up into a man's love 
— I almost told her — [Pause.] I wonder if I'd 
found it out sooner — before you came along — 
Coast. No use shutting the stable door after 
the horse is swiped ! 
Dick. I shan't be able to say exactly what I 



HER OWN WAY 121 

wanted to to Georgiana — but that's — your luck 
— I guess the quicker I can say good-by and get 
out, the better for me — 

Coast. Listen — don't say anything to Geor- 
giana about her and me, will you, unless of course 
she tells you — we're not talking about it yet. 

Dick. I don't care mentioning it, thank you. 

[Mrs. Carley and Georgiana come in Right 
and meet Dick. 

Mrs. Carley. We're so sorry to say good-by, 
Dick — will you have some tea ? 

Dick. No, thanks. 

Coast. Hello, Auntie. 

[Mrs. Carley goes to the so} a and sits with her 
crocheting. 

Georgiana. Dick! 

[Shaking his hand — a second long. They look 
into each other's eyes. 



122 HER OWN WAY 

Mrs. Carley. Isn't he fine in his uniform? 

Dick. [Embarrassed.] I hadn't time to change 
before we start. 

Mrs. Carley. Louise asks me to give her 
farewells; she's got a bad headache and is being 
shampooed — she's too disappointed not to see 
you. 

Dick. I'm sorry she's in her usual health. 

Mrs. Carley. Got it from her father; we 
didn't expect him to live a year when I married 
him, but he surprised us all — and I tell Louise 
she'll outlive me yet. How are you, Sammy? 

[Drops her worsted; Coast picks it up and gives 
it to her. 

Coast. All right, only I need a shave. 

[He sits Left. 

Mrs. Carley. Well, you shouldn't talk about 
it 1 You need a lot of coaching. 



HER OWN WAY 123 

Georgiana. [Aside to Dick.] Stay; I want to 
speak to you alone. 

Dick. All right, old girl, I think I know why. 

Mrs. Carley. Why don't you all sit down? 

Georgiana. He hasn't much time. 

Dick. I haven't long to stay. I must be at 
the armory by a quarter to four. 

Georgiana. You march by here at four, don't 
you, on your way to the 42d St. Station ? 

Dick. Yes, rather a bore; but the Governor 
insists, and Roosevelt comes on to receive us at 
59th St. 

Georgiana. We oughtn't to keep Dick, then, 
mother; we ought to say good-by at once. 

[They all rise. 

Mrs. Carley. Very well, speed the parting 
guest! Good-by, Dick, we'll watch the papers 
to see what brave things you do, and don't fall in 



124 HER OWN WAY 

love with any of the decollete young nigger ladies 
we read about. 

Dick. Good-by, Mrs. Carley. [They wait for 
Georgian a to say good-by. A pause.] Good- 
by, Coast ! 

[Crosses to Coast, who rises and shakes hands 

with Dick. 
Coast. Good-by ! Good luck — 
Georgiana. [Pointedly.] Good-by, Sam. 
Coast. Oh, I'm not going. 

[A pause. 
Dick. [To Georgiana.] Good-by. 
Georgiana. Good-by ! [Shakes his hand and 
adds under her breath to him.] Don't go. Don't go. 

[A pause; all wait. 
Mrs. Carley. He isn't in a hurry, after all, 
Georgiana; let's all sit down again. 

[They all sit. 



HER OWN WAY 125 

Georgiana. [Laughing, embarrassed.] Of 
course I don't want to urge you off, Dick. 

Dick. [Rising.] No, but really, after all, I 
think I must go. 

[All rise again. 
Georgiana. No! Mother, I want to speak 
with Dick alone, before he goes; you won't mind 
leaving us, will you, you and Sam? 

[Sam rises. 
Mrs. Carley. [Unwilling.] Oh, no — Come 
along, Sam. We'll be on the balcony when you 
pass, Dick; be sure to look up. Good-by. 

[Going. 
Dick. [Shaking her hand.] I'll look up. 
Coast. [At the door Right.] I'll go up and see 
the kids. 

[Coast looks at Dick and goes out very slowly 
with Mrs. Carley. 



126 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. I couldn't say good-by to you like 
that — I couldn't share my good-by with mother; 
you understand that, don't you, Dick. 

Dick. Yes, old girl, though if I had my way I 
wouldn't say good-by to you at all — I hate good- 
bys to people I care about. 

Georgiana. Sit down just a few minutes. 

[They sit down by the table. 

Dick. [Sees the tie in her hands.] Busy making 
reins for Toots? What an ugly color! 

Georgiana. Is it ? Well, it's a tie for you ! 

Dick. Oh — I mean it's ugly for reins, but per- 
fectly lovely for a tie — I'll take it with me. 

[Puts it in his pocket. 

Georgiana. I wish I could go with you. 

Dick. Don't you think you're needed here just 
at this moment? 

Georgiana. Has Steve told you? 



HER OWN WAY 127 

Dick. No, Coast did. 

Georgiana. Don't you think I'm doing right? 

Dick. If you love him, of course, old girl, you're 
doing right. I think I must go now. [Rises.] 
Good-by. 

Georgiana. No, don't go yet, please. I can't 
bear to have you go. 

Dick. It's good of you to care so much. [Leans 
against the table.] You know only yesterday I 
woke up and suddenly began to hope — 

Georgiana. What — 

Dick. Nothing; I don't hope it any more, any- 
way ! I say, Georgiana, you'll go around and see 
mother and father once in a while, won't you? 

Georgiana. Of course I will — 

Dick. It'll cheer them up a lot, you know — they 
feel so badly; it's pretty tough on them, my leaving. 

Georgiana. / feel badly too — 



128 HER OWN WAV 

Dick. That's jolly good of you. 

Georgiana. And isn't it just a little tough to 
leave me? Your oldest friend almost, you know. 

[She adds this latter to cover up the sentiment 
which was coming too near the surface. 

Dick. Of course it is. 

Georgiana. You haven't said so. 

Dick. Still waters run deep, Georgy, and I — 
[He moves away.} really, I must be going. 

Georgiana. [Rising.] No, don't go. 

Dick. [Looking at his watch.] I must. 

Georgiana. No, let me see your watch. Yes, 
you have got three more minutes. Please — sit 
down — 

[She persuades him to sit down again, and she 
reseats herself. 

Dick. Have your own way! 

Georgiana. Will there be fighting? 



HER OWN WAY 129 

Dick. I hope so! 

Georgiana. Oh, but what fighting ! I've read, 
I know — ambushes and tortures — their war is 
murder. 

Dick. Yes, and that's why we're going out there 
to put an end to it. 

Georgiana. Why need you? 

Dick. Some one must, I as well as another; in 
fact, just now, I better than any other. 

Georgiana. Why you better ? 

Dick. Because I want to go — I've got a rest- 
less fit, Georgiana — and want to get away from 
here — I want to get away from everybody. 

Georgiana. From me? 

Dick. Yes, even from you I 

Georgiana. [Hurt.] Thank you. 

Dick. I should think your woman's instinct 
would teach you why. 



130 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. Well, it doesn't! and I really 
should be very much obliged to you if you would 
help my woman's instinct out. 

Dick. Of course it's all right what you're going 
to do, only — well, I don't want to be here to see it. 

Georgiana. But, Dick, I'm perfectly happy in 
what I'm doing. 

Dick. Of course ! but that doesn't make it any 
the pleasanter for me. [Rises.] Good-by. 

Georgiana. [Rising.] And that's all, just 
good-by ? 

Dick. No, I wish you all kinds of happiness in 
the future and the happiest marriage in the world. 

Georgiana. Oh, thank you very much. 

Dick. [With great effort.] I wish you every- 
thing that's good, Georgy, old girl ! 

Georgiana. Well, I'm sure no one could ask 
for more; and what shall I wish you? 



HER OWN WAY 131 

Dick. Wish me a big fight, and an exciting one ! 
Wish me a chance to do something ! Wish me 
— oh, what does it matter — wish me — " Good- 
by." 

Georgiana. What does it matter? Good-by! 
No! 

[They shake hands; she follows him to the door. 

Dick. I must. I'll be late. 

Georgiana. Be late. 

Dick. [Looking at her a moment.] I am — too 
late. Good-by. 

[He is going out again and she stops him. 
Good-by. [Light-heartedly. 

[He goes out. She stands where he leaves her, 
facing the door. A pause. 

Georgiana. "What does it matter " — "wish 
me good-by." 

[She turns, looking straight ahead of her, gazing 



132 HER OWN WAY 

into space, realizing what it means to her. 
Slowly the emotion creeps into her face, she 
falters where she stands, and turns about to 
burst into tears, when Coast comes back into 
the room. 
Coast. I heard Coleman go — can I talk with 
you a little? 

Georgiana. [Sitting on the sofa.] No, Sam, 
I don't feel like it! 

[She cannot keep her tears back. 
Coast. [Going to her.] Georgy, don't — don't 
— I love you. 

Georgiana. No ! I don't want you to. 
Coast. It don't make any difference if you 
want me to or not; I do, got to, it's so strong in 
me — won't you have me? 

Georgiana. No ! Won't you leave me alone a 
little? 



HER OWN WAY 133 

Coast. No, I can't. Listen; I know I'm not 
refined enough for you — but I can get over that 
in time. Sure! I can get over everything for 
you, if you'll only love me. 

Georgiana. No ! now go away from me. 

[He kneels beside her a little awkwardly, trying 
to make her look at him. 

Coast. There isn't a thing in this world that 
money can buy I won't give you. 

Georgiana. There are some things money 
can't buy. 

Coast. No, there ain't — not my money ! 
You'll have everything a woman can hanker after 
in this world — the best there is, and Steve shall 
have it, too, for your sake. 

Georgiana. I can never love you. 

Coast. Listen ! I'll make my wife the biggest 
woman in the city — I'll make her — 



134 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. [Interrupting.] Sam, stop ! [He 
rises.] I can't hear any more ! 

[A pause — she sobs; he waits. 

Coast. I won't stop, not till you say you'll 
marry me ! If I let up to-day, I'll begin again to- 
morrow, and when I stop to-morrow it'll be to go 
ahead the day after ! I've never failed yet in get- 
ting anything I've set after, and this is the biggest 
thing I've ever made up my mind to. 

Georgiana. And this time you will lose. Be- 
cause I can never love you. [He tries to in- 
terrupt.] No, let me finish. I'll tell you why 
I can't love you. I'll tell you, only just you, 
Sam, remember that. I could never love you 
because I love now, with every bit of love there 
is in me, the man who has just left this house, 
who has gone to fight and perhaps will never 
come back. 



HER OWN WAY 135 

Coast. Has he asked you to be his wife ? 

Georgiana. I love him all the same ! 

Coast. And I love you the same way you love 
him — ain't you a little sorry for me? 

Georgiana. Yes — 

Coast. That'll do to go on with — 

Georgiana. [Laughs hysterically.] Oh — Sam, 
can't I make you understand ? 

Coast. No, nor make me give up. I'm coming 
to see you again to-morrow; when will you be 
in? 

Georgiana. Not at all. 

[She moves about the room. 

Coast. What time in the afternoon? 

Georgiana. I shall be out all afternoon. 

Coast. I'll call at five. 

Georgiana. Very well! You'll find Louise 
and mother, 



136 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Coleman thinks you'll have me! 

Georgiana. He couldn't! Why should he? 

Coast. He congratulated me, when he was 
here just now! 

Georgiana. For what? 

Coast. For you ! 

Georgiana. Oh ! [Laughing hysterically.] 
That's what he meant by his happy marriage — 

[Laughing and crying. 

Coast. If he mentioned marriage, that's what 
he meant. 

Georgiana. But didn't you tell him he was 
wrong ? 

Coast. No. 

Georgiana. But why not? 

Coast. I wanted him to think it! 

Georgiana. But it was wrong of you — it can 
never be true, and I don't want him to go away 



HER OWN WAY 137 

believing it. [Music of a military band is heard 
in the distance.] Here they come ! [Going to the 
balcony, he follows.] No, please don't come out 
with me ! Sam — I don't want him to see me 
standing there with you. [Sam starts towards 
Georgiana.] Let me go out on the balcony 
alone, Sam! Please, alone! 

[He looks at her a moment and then deliberately 
goes past her out on to the balcony. 

Mrs. Carley. [Hurrying in from the Right.] 
They're coming! I've told the children. 

[She goes out on balcony. The children run in. 

All the Children. The soldiers are coming! 
Auntie, the soldiers are coming ! 

[They rush out on the balcony. 

Coast. [In the window, picking up Phil in 
his arms.] Come on, Georgy. What does it 
matter ? 



138 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. That's true, go on ! What does 
it matter, it's good-by ! 

[Coast goes on the balcony. Mrs. Carley, on 
balcony, calls, "Here comes Dick ! " Georgiana 
hesitates and then goes close to the window. 
She stands in a chair so as to see over the 
others' heads, hidden behind the curtain 
of the half-open window, and watches. The 
music is louder as they pass under the balcony; 
a flag is seen almost on level with ttifr balcony 
floor. Those on the balcony wave and shout, 
and shouts are heard in the street. Geor- 
giana stands still, wiping the tears from her 
eyes every moment with a tiny wad of a hand- 
kerchief, and as the music passes, growing 
less loud, 

THE CURTAIN FALLS 



ACT III 

Eight months later. Georgiana's room, an octag- 
onal room with dark panel walnut woodwork 
and panels of yellow brocade, with furniture to 
match. All in the simplest style of Louis XV. 
There is a fireplace on the Left, and doors Right 
and Left. Two windows at the back. At 
right of the Centre is a very large dressing table 
covered with massive silver toilet articles, a big 
mirror, candelabra, etc., and a silver-framed 
photograph of Dick Coleman. There is a 
low bench before the table, tables and chairs about 
the room, and a most comfortable, roomy sofa, 
on the Left, piled with embroidered pillows. 
It is after seven and the lamps are lit. Steven 

139 



140 HER OWN WAY 

enters from Left and sits on the sofa. He is 
haggard, his clothes mussed, his linen rumpled 
and soiled. He is painfully nervous and agi- 
tated; he cannot keep still; as soon as he sits 
down he gets up; he goes from one place in the 
room to another, taking up a picture without look- 
ing at it, sitting down and getting up again. 
Twice he half whispers, half groans, "Good 
God/" He takes out a pistol from his pocket, 
looks at it, and puts it away again as Lizzie 
enters Right. 

luizziE. Miss Carley says she'll be in as soon 
as she can. 

Steven. [Rising and going to the dressing 
table.] Is she dressing for the ball now? 

Lizzie. No, sir, she's wearing a tea gown for 
dinner; it'll be a grand sight, the ball, sir! 



HER OWN WAY 141 

Steven. I suppose so. 

Lizzie. Pity we couldn't 'ave got the Grand 
Duke here, sir, to dinner. 

Steven. [Moving about.] We couldn't afford 
to entertain a Russian prince, Lizzie, — don't 
tell your mistress, — but I've been speculating 
again and we're hard up. 

Lizzie. Oh, I am so sorry, sir — I know how 
to sympathize with you, though we did get our 
money back! Perhaps you'll get yours. 

Steven. How about you and Moles? 

[Comes to Lizzie. 

Lizzie. Well, sir, last Tuesday we counted up, 
we're about two years off, or fourteen hundred 
dollars distance, so to speak. We've calculated 
then we could marry and settle down if we'd be 
satisfied with two rooms and no children. 

[There is a knock on door Left 



142 HER OWN WAY 

Yes? [Going to the door, opens it.] Oh, 
come in, sir. [Moves away.] Mr. Carley is 
here. 

Coast. [Entering.] Where's Miss Georgiana? 
Lizzie. She's dressing, sir. She'll be down in 
five or ten minutes. 

[Goes out Right, 
Coast. How are you ? 

[The two men nod a surly greeting. 
Steven. I've been looking for you all afternoon ! 
Coast. Didn't you know I was coming here 
and going with your folks to the ball? 
Steven. I forgot ! 

[After a pause, both men look at each other. 
Well, Sam, I'm done! I'm done for good 
this time! 

Coast. Sorry, but you can't blame me. 

[He sits in an arm-chair near the sofa. 



HER OWN WAY 143 

Steven. I do. You told me you were going 
into this last business, but you did'nt tell me you 
were going to get right out again. 

Coast. 'Twasn't my business to tell you that 
— I didn't advise you to go in! 

Steven. No, but you put me up to it all the 
same! 

Coast. Not a bit! The only time I advised 
you was some months ago, when you'd just lost 
Louise's money, — then I put you on to some- 
thing, so you shouldn't lose Georgiana's. Did 
you win? 

Steven. Yes, and broke my word to Georgiana. 

Coast. Well, that's her and your business, but 
it let me out! From that time on you were on 
your own hook. 

Steven. You were always throwing out hints 
that you meant me to take. 



144 HER °WN WAY 

Coast. Listen. [Rises and goes to Steven.] 
You can't prove that! 

Steven. You know you led me into it, you 
know you did. You tempted me in the first place 
to break my word of honor to my sister. Whether 
you meant to or not, you did it, damn you — 
and you're a rich man, you've got millions, and 
can help me out! Will you? 

Coast. [Quietly.] No. 

[Moves a little away toward the Left. 

Steve. You're my wife's own cousin, and she's 
a pauper and through no fault of her own. Will 
you help me for her sake? 

Coast. [Still quietly.] No. 

Steven. You're in love with my sister, 
and she's not got a cent of her own to-night 
through me. Will you help me for her 
sake? 



HER OWN WAY 145 

Coast. [Still quietly.] No ! 

Steven. [Going to him.] No ? 

Coast. No! 

[Strong. 

Steven. Then damn you for a dirty black- 
guard ! 

Coast. [Laughs.] That's pretty talk; I guess 
you got that from me too! 

Steven. [Doggedly.] I'll do more than talk! 
[Turns away and goes up stage. 

Coast. What? 

Steven. Wait and see. 

Coast. Listen ! if one thing happens, I'll help 
you. 

Steven. [Turning.] You mean Georgiana ! 

Coast. Yes, if she'll marry me, I'll make up 
to you every damn cent of hers you've got rid of. 

Steven. And if she won't? 



146 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. I'll make up every penny of Louise's 
you've lost, if Georgiana'll marry me. Listen — 
[Sam puts his arm around Steven and brings him 
down to the sofa and they sit.] she loves you, you're 
the kind that always has influence with women; 
use yours for me, Steve, it'll be worth your while. 

Steven. [Hal} laughs.] You want me to try 
and persuade her to marry you against her own 
desire even ? 

Coast. That's the figure. 

Steven. When I know you're, in your way, 
just as dishonorable a man as I am, and hard and 
heartless, [Steve rises.] I wouldn't risk my 
sister's happiness with you, if it would save me 
twice over. Even if she loved you, I'd say what 
I could against it. 

Coast. [Quick.] She'll never know you broke 
your word to her if I help you. 



HER OWN WAY 147 

Steven. Yes, she will, because I mean to tell 
her to-night. 

Coast. All right! 

Steven. That's what I've come for, to make 
a clean breast of everything. 

Coast. You're a damned fool ! [He rises and 
moves away.] However, each way plays more or 
less into my hands. 

Georgiana. [Outside 0} door Right.] If you 
are telling secrets, Jook out — I'm coming ! 

Coast. Come on ! 

[Georgiana comes in, dressed in graceful neg- 
ligee tea gown. 

Georgiana. Good evening, Sam ! Steve, you're 
not dressed yet? 

Steven. I forgot about the ball. 

Georgiana. I can tell you one person who 
hasn't, and that's mother ! 



148 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. [Laughing.] Is she going to be corking ? 

Georgiana. [Sitting in the arm-chair by the sofa.] 
If the Grand Duke were a bachelor and mother had 
designs upon him, she couldn't possibly take more 
pains ! She's going to be beyond all words. She's 
got every jewel she owns and can borrow draped 
about her, till she looks like Tiffany's exhibit at 
the St. Louis Fair. And as for her hair, she's 
had Bella Shindle working on it all afternoon, till 
it's the Titianest Titian that ever flamed on human 
head ! 

Coast. Sounds great ! 
[Sitting on the bench. Steven sits on the sofa. 

Georgiana. Wait! She's built her tiara up 
with a breastpin and an aigrette off my winter 
hat, and it was all I could do to keep her from 
wearing the three feathers in which she was 
presented to the Queen in a.d. '73. 



HER OWN WAY 149 

[They all laugh good-naturedly. 

Coast. Aunt Laura's a corker ! 

Georgiana. Well, no one will miss her ! She'll 
get the Grand Duke's eye if no one else does ! 
I tell her she'll go through the ballroom like a 
search-light ! 

Coast. Is she all dressed now ? 

Georgiana. Not yet. I'm judging by her 
dress rehearsal! I left her in a state of terrible 
indecision as to whether she should arch her 
eyebrows "just a little" with a burnt match! 

[All laugh again good-naturedly. 

Coast. Smart old girl! 

Georgiana. She's all the happier for being 
silly, and she's a good soul and does her best! 
What's your news, Steve? 

[Turning to Steven. 

Steven. Sam, would you mind ? 



150 HER OWN WAY 

[Motions to Coast to leave the room. 
Coast. Oh, no ! [Rises.] See you later ! I'll 
go and take a squint at auntie. 

[He goes out Right. 
Georgiana. Steve, you look troubled — what's 
gone wrong? 

[She goes to Steven on the sofa and sits beside 

him. 
Steven. I have! 

Georgiana. How do you mean? You and 
Louise haven't quarrelled? 
Steven. If it was only that > 
Georgiana. What then? 
Steven. I've gone wrong, I tell you, all wrong. 
Georgiana. How? In what way, Steve? 
Steven. Your money's lost, it's all lost. 

[Georgiana rises. A pause. 
Georgiana. How do you mean? 



HER OWN WAY 



l S* 



Steven. And that isn't the worst of it, either. 
I've broken my word to you ! I know I've killed 
your faith in me. I've lost faith in myself. 

Georgiana. [Still standing, very strong.] Steve ! 

Steven. IVe speculated ! 

Georgiana. No, Steve! 

Steven. [Rises and goes to the mantel.] Yes, 
IVe been speculating since the very day I said I 
wouldn't. I won a lot at first, and of course I 
thought I'd get all back; and then, of course, what 
I did get back was my old cursed luck ! 

Georgiana. Oh, Steve ! And I believed in you 
so thoroughly, I never had a doubt ! 

Steven. I know it ! I know it ! I'm rotten all 
through, Georgy. [Bursting into tears.] I'm not 
worth being forgiven — [He falls on his knees, 
in a paroxysm of sobs and tears.] I'm rotten t Oh 
— I'm rotten — 



152 HER OWN WAY 

[He sobs uncontrollably. 
[ Georgiana watches him a little while in silence. 
Then she goes to him and puts her hand on 
his shoulder. 
Georgiana. Steve! 
Steven. [Sobbing.] Yes ! 
Georgiana. I forgive you S 
Steven. No! No! 

Georgiana. And I'll trust you again if I have 
a chance. 

Steven. [Looking up.] Georgy, what do you 
mean? 

[Beginning to control his sobs. 
Georgiana. I mean, though it's been a pretty 
big blow, my faith in you isn't altogether gone 
yet. 

Steven. Oh, I can't bear it! I can't bear it! 
But you don't mean it! No, you can't mean it! 



HER OWN WAY 153 

How could you ? Forgive me ? Trust me again ? 
No, no ! You couldn't — it's all over ! I've 
thrown away my own money first, then my wife's 
and her mother's — that ought to have been 
enough, — but I had to go and break my word of 
honor to you, and lose every penny of yours! 
There's no excuse for me, nor reason to forgive. 

Georgiana. [After a moment, very quietly, with 
her eyes filling.] There's love, Steve ! 

Steven. Not for a man like me. I'm not worth 
it. [He rises.] Not deserving it! There's only 
one thing for such as me, and that is to end it all 
with a bullet. 

Georgiana. Now you're talking wildly ! 

Steven. [In a lowered voice.] No, Georgy, 
I mean it ! It's better for all of you to have me 
out of the way; I tried to do it to-day — only, 
/ was afraid! 



154 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. That would be worse than any- 
thing you have done yet. That I would never 
forgive — anything but that! 

[She goes to him. 
Steven. But the shame of my life now, the 
degradation, the rot of it! 

[A moment's pause. 
Georgiana. [The idea comes to her.] Steve, I 
told you I'd trust you again if I had the chance ! 
Here is the first one, and I take it! Promise 
me you'll never again even think of taking your 
life. 
Steven. What's the good of my promising? 
Georgiana. If you tell me, I'll believe you. 

[A short pause. 
[Steven, not looking at her, puts his hand in the 
pocket where the pistol is, then takes his hand 
away, still not looking at her. 



HER OWN WAY 155 

Look me straight in the face, Steve, and 
say, "I promise." 

[He hesitates only a moment, and then does so. 
Steven. I promise. 
[He turns a little away from her, takes the 

pistol from his pocket, and gives it to her. 
Georgiana. [Bursting into tears.] Oh, Steve! 
[She turns away and puts the pistol on the table 

between the windows. 
Steven. Forgive me, Georgy, forgive me! 
This promise I'll keep. Only forgive me for 
breaking your heart like this! 

Coast. [Entering Right.] I've been sent up to 
bring you down to dinner. 

[He takes in the situation. A pause. 
Georgiana. Do you know what Steve has just 
told me? 

Steven. [Bitterly.] Yes, he knows. 



156 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Just what? 

Georgiana. Steve has gone on speculating, 
and my money's followed the rest. 

Coast. Yes, I knew that. 

Georgiana. Couldn't you have saved him? 

Coast. I offered to once, but you refused. 

Georgiana. And now? 

[Short pause. 

Coast. [He goes to Georgiana, who is on the 
sofa.] My offer is still open to the same tune. 

Steven. No, Georgy, no ! 

Georgiana. For Steve's own sake, won't you do 
something for him ? Get him some position so that 
he can take care of Louise. I'll look after myself. 

Coast. I'll do all and more, ij you'll marry me. 

Georgiana. You know I can't marry you. 

Coast. What does Steve say ? 

Steven. What Georgy says, I say. 



HER OWN WAY 157 

Coast. How are you going to get out of this 
without me? 

Steven. I don't know. 

Coast. And there's something else. [Steps 
towards Steven.] Perhaps you don't know that 
unless some one does get you out of this, it won't 
be only a money smash-up for Georgiana, but dis- 
grace too! 

Georgiana. That can't be true! I shall say 
my brother had control of my money to do what 
he liked with it. 

Coast. But any lawyer would take up the case 
of criminal mismanagement for my aunt and 
cousin's affairs. 

Georgiana. But they wouldn't allow it. 

Coast. Well, what do you think? 

Steven. Louise — never! 

Coast. Leave it to me! 



158 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. Ah! your true colors! You heard 
him, Georgy? 

Coast. Well, let that pass. But you know 
that you've overdrawn at your bank, that you've 
overdrawn at your brokers, and that you can no 
more get out of the muddle you've got yourself 
into without one of the biggest public scandals 
there's been in the street for years ! 

Georgiana. But you can spare us that ? 

Steven. [Very low.] Good God ! 

[He moves away. 

Coast. [To Georgiana.] That's what I can. 

Georgiana. And you love me ? 

Coast. I certainly do ! 

Georgiana. Then you will spare us ! 

Coast. If you'll marry me. 

Steven. No ! [Comes down to her.] Georgy, 
you mustn't! [Coast walks away.] Don't you 



HER OWN WAY 159 

see what a selfish brute Sam is? Of course it 
was my fault that I gambled, but he tempted me, 
he led me into it when he knew I couldn't resist. 
The very day and hour I gave you my promise, 
he gave me a tip and guaranteed I shouldn't lose ! 

Georgiana. Sam! Oh! 

[She turns to the tench before her dressing table 
and sinks upon it. 

Coast. [Speaks to her across the table.] It's 
true ! And I led him to speculate more, I tricked 
him first with winning and then let him go I I 
knew he'd soon do for himself alone, and he did ! 
Yes — I ruined him purposely and you through 
him, so as to get you to be my wife. I did it 
purposely and I'd do it again ! Of course I meant 
all along to make it up in the end when I'd got you. 

Georgiana. And did you really think you 
could get me that way? 



160 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Why, you've got to marry me. You 
needn't be afraid of what I won't do for you. I 
love you, you know that. Everything — I've 
told you that before. You shall have everything 
on God's earth you want, and Louise and her mother 
shall live in style as they always have, and Steve 
have his own money back, with a brother-in-law 
to help him take care of it ! And what's the other 
side of the picture ? Nothing for you or Louise or 
anybody — and disgrace for Steve into the bargain. 
Why, you've got to marry me! [Georgiana. 
rises, Coast follows her.] Don't you see? Any- 
way [Smiling.] it was only a trick to make you, 
because, Georgy, I love you so ! [A pause; she 
stands looking at him.] Well? 

Georgiana. I'm trying to realize — to under- 
stand it all. 

[Moles enters Left. 



HER OWN WAY 161 

Moles. Please, miss, Mrs. Carley says your 
soup is all cold and they're on with the fish. 

Georgiana. Tell Mrs. Carley not to wait for 
Mr. Carley and me, we're not coming down; but 
Mr. Coast will join them in a moment. 

[Coast looks up surprised. 

Moles. Yes, miss. 

[He goes out. A moment's pause. 

Coast. What do you mean by that? 

[Another pause. 

Georgiana. [Slowly.] Not to save myself, 
not even to save my brother, and from even worse 
than we have to face, would I marry you. 

Coast. Don't say that, Georgy ! 

Georgy. Why, every word you've said, and 
everything you've done to make me love you, 
makes me instead — yes — and for what you've 
done with Steve [Looks at Steve.], / do hate you. 



162 HER OWN WAY 

[Goes to the sofa, Coast follows. 

Coast. I only said it because I love you, 
Georgiana. 

Georgiana. Oh, Sam Coast, you don't know 
what love is ! Love doesn't make beasts of men, 
it makes men of beasts. It doesn't take all for 
itself — it sacrifices all for another. Love isn't 
an enemy that lays traps and makes ambushes, — 
love is a friend whose heart is a divine magnet ! 
Real love makes an angel of a woman and a hero of 
a man, but love such as you have — oh, the hap- 
piness in this world that's been lost through it ! 

Coast. You don't know me ! 

Georgiana. I didn't, but I do! You've 
dragged down my brother, sacrificed him and my 
belief in him, almost, for your own selfish end, 
tried to trap me into marrying you when you 
know I didn't love you. 



HER OWN WAY 163 

Coast. But you would — 

Georgiana. Once perhaps, though I can't 
imagine it ! But not now ! No ! I'd starve and 
suffer and die now before I could ever love 
you. 

[A pause; Coast goes to the table and stands 
half shamefaced a moment, then he pulls him- 
self up and turns. 

Coast. Well, face the music for a while, and 
then see! 

Georgiana. They're waiting for you at dinner; 
please join them and tell them what you like. 

Coast. I'll tell them nothing. I'll let you and 
Steve think things over a little. 

Steven. [Rises, and goes to meet Coast.] You 
will have something to settle with me outside of 
money matters ! 

Coast. [With a jeer.] Please yourself. 



164 HER OWN WAY 

[He goes out. 

Georgiana. [To Steven.] I believe I can in- 
fluence Louise to do nothing for the sake of the 
children, and she loves you in her way. 

Steven. But the bank? 

[He sits on sofa beside her. 

Georgiana. Oh, we can take care of the bank; 
after all, we've friends, we've jewels, we've this 
house. 

Steven. That's true, and the brokers ? 

Georgiana. Who are they? 

Steven. Caldwell and Hovery. 

Georgiana. Mr. Caldwell will be at the ball 
to-night ? 

Steven. Probably. 

Georgiana. I'll see him. We've always been 
good friends, — and so were his father and your 
father. He won't let his firm make a scandal if 



HER OWN WAY 165 

he can help it, especially as they can gain nothing 
and we should lose so much ! Steve, we'll get out 
of this yet, with your name all right ! 

Bella. [Entering Right.] May I come in? 

Georgaina. Yes, Bella. 

Bella. Oh, good evening, Mr. Carley, it's a 
pleasant evening ! 

Steven. Good evening, Miss Shindle. 

Bella. What I come to ask is if I shall do you 
now, and Mrs. Wishings around the corner after- 
wards ? 

Georgiana. I think I'd rather you went to 
Mrs. Wishings first if you don't mind. 

Bella. Oh, it's all the same to me ! Mrs. Wish- 
ings ain't really in the smart set and they say 
her husband ain't so rich, and she's horrid to her 
servants — don't give them cake. I don't care if I 
lost her head to do ! I'm like that, as you know, 



166 HER OWN WAY 

particular when I'm particular, but — well — 
just supercilious and negligee when it don't count ! 
Good gracious ! [Laughing.] Oh, here's a letter 
for you I brought up for Lizzie. It's from the 
Phillypeenys and has a special delivery on. [Geor- 
giana takes letter and opens it and reads it.] That's 
how it come at this hour. Some folks do have 
luck, as the saying is ! I've got to wait till to- 
morrow morning for mine if I get one, and if 
there's a Phillypeeny post and I don't get one, well, 
I pity the ladies' hair I dress to-morrow, that's all ! 
[To Steven.] Mr. Carley, you've got lovely soft 
hair, haven't you? I know you have a lovely 
disposition, I can tell it from your hair. Yes, 
indeed, they always go together, it's a certain sign ! 
Now Mrs. Wishings' hair is just like a horse's tail ! 
what there is of it. I often feel like asking her 
which she'd rather I done it, on or off ! [Laughs 



HER OWN WAY 167 

heartily.] I must have my little joke, but nobody 
minds me — good-by. 

Steven. Good-by. 

[Bella goes out Left. 

Georgiana. [Looking up, bursting with hap- 
piness and reading as she speaks.] Oh, Steve! 
Steve! Such good news! I can hardly wait to 
tell you, but just let me finish it. 

Steven. Finish anything that means good 
news, Georgy, and then for heaven's sake tell 
me what it is. 

Georgiana. [Closing the letter.] It's finished ! 

[She looks up radiant and forgetful of him for a 
moment. 

Steven. Well! 

[Rises and goes to Georgiana. 

Georgiana. [Softly.] Dick loves me ! 

Steven. Dick Coleman? 



168 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. He loves me, he's always loved 
me! 

Steven. But why — ? I don't understand — 

Georgiana. No, I didn't know it. I thought 
— there were reasons why I thought he didn't 
love me. But I understand now. Listen ; I'll 
read you a part of his letter — a part 0} it! Oh, 
this makes up for everything, Steve. [She reads.] 
"My dear — [She stops and improvises the next 
three words.] my dear Georgy : [She looks up slyly to 
see if Steven noticed the change; he didn't. ] Each 
steamer brings me letters from home, but never 
a word of your engagement to Coast, never a word 
of your marriage. Is that broken off — " How 
do you suppose he got the impression I was going 
to marry Sam ? 

Steven. Why everybody has seen, who cared 
to look, that Sam was dead in love with you. 



HER OWN WAY 169 

Georgiana. Yes, but — well — never mind, 
listen — "Well, however it is, we're starting off 
to-morrow out of reach of letters and everything 
else, except an ugly band of natives that we came 
here to do for. The chances are pretty big against 
many of us getting back, and anyway I'm going to 
take this chance to tell you that I love you better 
than anything and everything and everybody in 
the world. And in case I never come back, 
somehow or other, I don't know why, I want you 
to know it. I was a little late in rinding it out, — 
all of a sudden I knew you were the only woman 
for me, and that the only thing I seemed to want in 
the world was you for a wife. And there was Coast 
ahead of me ! I don't know if it would have made 
any difference if you loved Coast and not me, per- 
haps you never would have cared for me, but I'd 
have done my best, for, Georgy — I love you — 



170 HER OWN WAY 

[She reads ahead to herself, murmuring so he cannot 
understand.] "I don't know why I must tell 
you all this, but I must" — [She reads ahead 
again in silence, skipping the passages which are 
too loving and too precious to read aloud.] I 
think that's all — [She looks up and smiles, and 
adds softly.] that I care to read aloud ! Oh, Steve S 

[She puts her arms around his neck and hugs him. 

Steven. I'm so glad, old girl, so glad! 

[Tightening his arm about her. 

Georgiana. Steve, I'm so happy! I don't 
want to seem selfish, and really I'm not forget- 
ting you, but I can't help it. I'm so happy. 

[Steven kisses her. A short pause. 

Georgiana. [Softly, thoughtfully.] Can one 
cable to the Philippines? 

Steven. Yes! 

[Smiling and again giving her a little squeeze. 



HER OWN WAY 171 

Georgiana. [Going to the sofa.] So far as I'm 
concerned, my money now doesn't count a rap. 
Dick has plenty and doesn't want mine. So now 
it's only Louise and mother you must think of, 
and you can take care of them well, you know 
you can, if they'll only accept the different condi- 
tions. And Dick and I'll help — 

Steven. [Interrupting.] I hate to say it, Geor- 
giana, but suppose — 

[Very serious. 

Georgiana. What? 

Steven. Well, you know why Dick wrote that 
letter, — because he was going into dangerous 
fighting. 

Georgiana. Oh, he will come back, he must 
come back! So few of our men have been lost 
in the Philippines, Dick can't be one of the few. 
After all, life nowadays isn't so tragic as that. 



172 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. Yes, of course Dick'll come back, 
Georgy [Short pause.], but won't he despise me? 
Georgiana. No, you're my brother. And oh, 
Steven, forgive me, but I'm so happy. [Hugging 
the pillows on the sofa and burying her face in 
them.] Don't let me be silly — don't let me 
forget I'm an old maid, — and there's no fool 
like an old fool ! I mustn't forget there's prob- 
ably an orange or two among the blossoms for 
my hair! 

[Mrs. Carley and Louise come into the room 
from the Right without speaking. They look 
from Georgiana to Steven. They are under 
the strain of violent emotion almost too much 
for words. Their appearance is tragic] 
There is a pause. 
Steven. Sam has told you? 
Louise. It isn't true what he says? 



HER OWN WAY 173 

Mrs. Carle y. [Bursting out, as the strain 
breaks.] That everything's gone? Everything/ 
[Mrs. Carley comes to Steven. 

Steven. Yes, it's true! — 

[He moves up. 

Mrs. Carley. We haven't a cent ? — not a 
penny I for car fare ! for theatre tickets ! nothing 
for our wash bills, or to go away with in the 
summer ! 

Louise. Georgiana's money gone too — now, 
Steve ? 

Mrs. Carley. As well as Louisas and mine? 

Georgiana. Yes, mine's gone too now, but 
I'm going to take it just as sensibly as Louise did 
before me. 

Mrs. Carley. She had yours to fall back 
on. 

Georgiana. And I'm going to take myself off 



174 HER OWN WAY 

your hands, and Steve is perfectly capable of get- 
ting some dignified position and taking care of 
you and Louise. 

Mrs. Carley. Yes, I can imagine what that 
means ! A flat with rooms like a string of buttons, 
mantelpiece beds and divans ! and all your friends 
trying to get into the bathroom when they are 
looking for the hall door to get out! 

[Coast comes in from the Right. They all look 
at Sam. 

Georgiana. Do you think Sam has a place 
here in what we may say now ? 

Louise. Why not? He's my cousin. 

Mrs. Carley. Yes. And the only one of us 
now anyway who has a cent. 

Louise. I don't think we can expect much 
help from Sam as to money. 

Coast. That shows you don't know me. 



HER OWN WAY 175 

Louise. [Going to Coast.] You'll help us? 

Coast. I've offered to make up every cent 
Steve's lost; ask Georgiana. 

Georgiana. Yes, Sam offered to make a 
" trade" with me — 

Mrs. Carley. How? 

[Looks at Georgiana. 

Georgiana. To make up Steve's losses if I'd 
marry him. 

Mrs. Carley. [Quickly to Coast.] Sam ! It's 
too good to be true. 

Coast. So Georgiana thinks. 

Louise. [Angrily.] You won't do it ? 

Georgiana. No, I don't love your cousin. 

Mrs. Carley. Don't love him ! What do you 
owe us? Louise loved Steve and what good did 
it do her? You've got the chance to make up for 
your brother ! 



176 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. That's not Georgiana's duty, — to 
make up for me. 

Mrs. Carley. You can't do it yourself, and 
you don't want your wife to starve, do you. 

Georgiana. Louise wonH starve. 

Louise. [To Georgiana.] You could save 
us and you won't! 

Georgiana. I don't love Sam. 

Mrs. Carley. Don't "love"? Did Molly 
Packer from Toledo love the Duke of Birming- 
ham? and isn't she happy now? 

Georgiana. I don't know, I have my doubts. 

Mrs. Carley. Doubts! Oh, doubts! 

Georgiana. That's not the point, mother. 
I'm not going to marry Sam. 

Mrs. Carley. Oh, very well, then, have your 
way. 

Georgiana. I will, mother. 



HER OWN WAY 177 

Mrs. Carley. [Going to the sofa.] Don't con- 
sider my way at all. 

Georgiana. I won't, mother, since you ask me 
not to. 

Mrs. Carley. But I'll tell you this, Georgiana, 
you're just as bad as Steve ! We must shake off 
both of you. Louise must get a divorce and 
marry again. Look what other widows have 
done before her. 

[Louise goes to her mother and takes her hand. 

Georgiana. Mother! Louise! 

Louise. Well, why not? 

Mrs. Carley. Certainly! 

Georgiana. [Goes to them.] Not Listen! You 
must stand by Steve, both of you. You ought 
to do it out of affection, for, after all, whatever 
you've got of friends and position and the things 
you value he gave you! But never mind that! 

N 



178 HER OWN WAY 

You ought to stand by him out of loyalty, — but 
never mind that! You've got to stand by him 
because if you ruin him you'll ruin yourselves. 
You and mother could never hold up your heads 
again in our world — in the world you love — if 
you left Steve. After all, though our world may 
be careless sometimes of what it does itself, it is 
very particular about what those people do who 
are its guests/ Of course, Louise, it does come 
hardest on you, for yourself and for the children 
— but still you've got to stand by Steve. 

Mrs. Carley. Sam! 

[Going to Sam for help. 

Louise. Oh, I suppose I'll forgive him, I always 
do, but I don't know about forgiving you. 

Georgiana. Me? 

Louise. If you don't marry Sam! You can 
make everything all right, and Sam loves you — 



HER OWN WAY 179 

you can make mother happy and me happy and 
Steve happy. . . . 

Steven. [Interrupting.] No, leave me out! 

[He goes up behind the sofa. 

Louise. Our life would go on just the same, — 
Steve will make no more mistakes. I think 
you're heartless to refuse! 

Georgiana. But, Louise, you ask me to give up 
entirely my own happiness. 

Louise. Not at all! There's no one else in 
love with you but Sam, and this isn't your first 
year out, you know. 

Mrs. Carle y. And anyway it would be five 
happy against one unhappy, there's no arguing 
about that. 

Coast. [To Louise.] You and your mother 
both think she ought to accept me, don't you ? 

Louise. Certainly. 



180 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. [To Georgiana.] I told you. 

Georgiana. Yes, Sam, you win ! — but Louise ! 
I love some one else. 

Louise. Dick Coleman? 

Georgiana. Yes, and I'm going to marry 
him. 

Coast. [Turning quickly.] Has he asked 
you? 

Georgiana. Yes! To-day! 

[Showing her letter. Mrs. Carle y sits on the 
sofa. 

Coast. [Angry, to Louise.] Then you bring 
suit against Steve and I'll back you up, — I'll 
bet you I'll get your case ! 

Louise. But Steve hasn't any money. 

Coast. No, but you can show him up ! You 
can blackguard his name for him ! You can dis- 
grace him in the papers ! 



HER OWN WAY 181 

Louise. But I don't want to do that ! It would 
only make things worse. 

Georgiana. Good, Louise! 

Coast. I'll bet the bank and Steve's brokers 
won't be so soft-hearted. 

Georgiana. There's this house for the bank. 

Mrs. Carley. [Crying.] This house/ I shall die ! 

[Georgiana goes to her. 

Georgiana. Oh, no, you won't; you'll live 
very happily in a nice little flat, with two servants 
and a polite elevator boy in buttons. 

Mrs. Carley. [Pitifully.] Louise! 

Georgiana. And Mr. Caldwell I am going to 
see at the ball to-night. I believe he will help us 
if he can. 

Louise. You're going to the ball? In spite of 
everything ? 

Georgiana. Yes, we must. Let's have as little 



1 82 HER OWN WAY 

talk about the whole thing as possible. Steve's 
had bad luck ! The people mustn't think there's 
anything we're ashamed of. There isn't any- 
thing. 

Coast. Oh, isn't there? 

Georgiana. No. 

[Louise gets the smelling salts from the table for 
Mrs. Carle y. 

Mrs. Carley. It's true; so long as we've lost 
everything else, I don't see why she should lose 
the ball too ! 

[Using the smelling salts. 

Louise. And I suppose we really ought to be 
seen there, or lots of people will never believe we 
were asked. 

Coast. Well, I guess this is where I get out. 
I'll strike one of those musical comedies ! I think 
ragtime will be good enough for me to-night, 



HER OWN WAY 183 

instead of a neck and arm circus. You won't 
want me for escort after all this ? 

Louise. You can please yourself, Sam. 

Coast. Not exactly; I guess this is the day I 
try sour grapes. [Goes to door Left, — he turns.] 
When's Coleman coming back, Georgiana ? 

Georgiana. I don't know. 

Coast. Oh! [Goes to Steven at tnantel.] 
Steve — listen — how long are they holding that 
rotten stock of yours for you? 

Steven. [Laughs.] Ha ! till to-morrow noon. 

Coast. Well, cheer up, I'll send her up ten 
points for you by eleven. [Slaps him on the back.] 
See you all later, maybe, if my show's dull. 

[And with a side glance at Georgiana he goes 
out Left. 

Mrs. Carley. [Rises.] I only wish to heaven 
Sam Coast wanted to marry me! 



184 HER OWN WAY 

Louise. Mother! Come, let's finish dressing. 

Mrs. Carley. I don't know whether to go to 
the ball or stay home and have a good cry. 

Georgiana. Do whichever gives you the most 
pleasure, mother. 

[Lizzie enters Right and stands behind the dress- 
ing table. 

Mrs. Carley. What? [Looking at herself in 
the glass.] It's all very well for them to give us 
women a new front, I wish they'd give us new 
backs too. ' 

[She goes out Right. 

Lizzie. You must start dressing, miss — Miss 
Shindle will be back. 

Georgiana. [Absent-mindedly.] Yes, yes, Lizzie. 

[Lizzie goes out.] 
Louise, I'm so glad you will stand by Steve; 
and try and be glad a little for me. 



HER OWN WAY 185 

[Placing her arm about Louise. 

Louise. Yes, I don't blame you, Georgy, so 
long as Dick's proposed. I'd do just as you've 
done, and I will be glad for you by to-morrow, — 
I am glad now. 

[Kisses her impulsively. 

Georgiana. Thank you, Louise, dear. 

[She goes out Right. 

Steven. Louise ! 

Louise. [Comes to Steve.] Steve. [Louise 
touches Steve on the arm.] I don't want to be 
horrid, but do you think you will be able to get 
anything decent to do? 

Steven. I'm sure I will. 

Louise. But will we have enough money to 
hold our own? 

Steven. I'll do my best. Louise, I appreciate 
your not making more of a row! 



186 HER OWN WAY 

[With his arm around her. 

Louise. Oh, Steve, I know it's just as hard for 
you — and I do love you and I want to be nice 
about it, but — [She cries. Steven kisses her 
again, in his arms.] I mustn't give way like this. 
I'll be a sight at the ball. Don't let me cry, dear. 

Steven. All right. Come on upstairs now, and 
make yourself beautiful. 

[They go toward the door Right. 

Bella. [Reentering Left.] Good evening again, 
is Miss Georgiana ready for me ? 

Louise. She must be, — is my hair all right ? 

Bella. Oh, yes, that's one thing about my 
hair dressing, though I do say it as shouldn't, it 
has a lasting quality. 

[Louise goes out Right. 

Georgiana. [Calls from inside.] Is that you, 
Bella? 



HER OWN WAY 187 

Bella. Yes, ma'am. 

Georgiana. I'll be there in a minute — be 
quick, Lizzie. 

Bella. [Lower voice.] Mr. Carley, have you 
seen the evening papers? 

Steven. No! 

Bella. I just bought one and it's got an article 
about the 91st regiment. 

Steven. What about it? 

[Looks to see if door is closed. 

Bella. [Same voice.] They say it may 'a' been 
wiped out of existence : it's three weeks now since 
news of it was due, and the paper's afraid they've 
met with an ambyscade or something like that. 

Steven. Oh, when the newspapers are hard 
up for news they get up something about the 
Philippines ! It's the modern sea-serpent. When 
there's absoutely nothing else to print — no girl 



188 HER OWN WAY 

suicide in Brooklyn, or cyclone in Kansas, or joke 
on Chicago, then they give the Philippines a para- 
graph or an insurrection. Don't you worry, Miss 
Shindle. 

[He sits in the arm-chair near the sofa. 

Bella. But it says the island they went against 
was the heathenest of the lot, and that there's 
no good reason why if they'd hadn't no fight with 
the natives, we shouldn't 'a' had news from them. 

Steven. The whole question of news in a case 
like this is too uncertain to make so much alarm 
about. The men's idea is not to send picture pos- 
tal cards of daily movements home to America, 
but to lick the natives into shape ! 

Bella. I'm sure you do comfort me. Don't 
know as Miss Georgiana told you, but my young 
man's out there, with Mr. — Lieutenant Cole- 
man. 



HER OWN WAY 189 

Steven. Well, don't worry. You just make up 
your mind the papers are short of news to-night. 

Bella. Goodness, they won't be to-morrow 
with all they're going to print about this ball! 
Say, I've a friend who's sister's a literary lady and 
writes for the Sunday papers in Buffalo. She's 
got an article in my line, called the " Heads of the 
Smart Set which was Set at the Grand Duke." 
Ain't that a cute name for an article ? And it don't 
mean their heads either; it means their coffyures, 
as she says — she speaks French. She was born 
and raised in Niagara Falls, near to Canada, where 
the language comes natural, — over the water, as it 
were ! 

Steven. [Going to her.] I wouldn't mention 
this newspaper report to Miss Carley — it would 
only needlessly alarm her, perhaps, and spoil her 
evening. 



190 HER OWN WAY 

Bella. Oh, I wouldn't for worlds. 

[She moves to the dressing table as Georgiana 
comes in. 

Georgiana. Here I am ! Oh, my dear Steve ! 
You'll be late. You're not dressed yet. 

Steven. All right. I'm going now — I was 
entertaining Miss Shindle till you were ready. 

[With a bow to Miss Shindle, Steven goes out 
Right. 

Bella. [Taking her bottles, etc., from a little bag 
which she carries.] He is a perfect gentleman ! 

Georgiana. [Sitting before the dressing table.] 
Now come along, Bella ! I only want you to brush 
my hair; I've had a trying evening here, and I've 
a splitting headache. See if you can take it away 
and make me look as if I'd never had one. 

Bella. [Tying apron about Georgiana's neck.] 
I'll do my best; but I can tell you most of the 



HER OWN WAY 191 

ladies I know'd be willing to have a headache 
every blessed minute of their lives if they could 
look as you do now ! 

Georgiana. Oh, what blarney, Bella ! I don't 
know, somehow I want to be beautiful to-night. 

Bella. For the Dook ? 

[Beginning to brush her hair. 

Georgiana. No! 

Bella. For him ? 

[Pointing at Coleman's photograph with her 
hair-brush. 

Georgiana. Yes. [Drawing the picture toward 
her.] It was a dear letter I had from him to-night, 
Bella! I hope you'll have as nice a one from 
Mr. Gootch to-morrow morning. 

Bella. Well, if I don't — 

[Shutting her teeth, she unconsciously pulls 
Georgiana's hair. 



i$2 HER OWN WAV 

Georgiana. Oh, oh ! 

Bella. Oh, I beg your pardon ! 

Georgiana. Don't take it out on me, wait till 
Mr. Gootch gets back ! 

Bella. [Combing.] I don't know as you're the 
jealous kind. Judging from your hair you ain't. 
It usually goes with blonde or red, or else crimpy, 
and what I dislike about red hair is the freckles — 
you can almost count on 'em ! You've got sort of 
trusting hair. But besides, Mr. Coleman wasn't 
a floor walker in a shop with over a hundred lady 
clerks — I think that's apt to make a gentleman 
flightier; and he being bald, has me to a disadvan- 
tage, so to speak. I can't judge by my customary 
signs. 

Georgiana. [Looking at Coleman's photo- 
graph.] Bella, I should say Lieutenant Coleman 
has splendid, straight, honest hair, shouldn't you? 



HER OWN WAV 193 

Bella. I can't say as I've ever really had any 
experience of his hair, ma'am. 

Georgiana. But do you think him an awfully 
handsome man, Bella, or am I prejudiced ? 

Bella. No, indeed, I never seen a handsomer 
gentleman, not even in the pictures of gentlemen's 
clothes in tailor store windows. [Puts comb 
down, and takes brush and brushes again.] But 
what continues to make me nervous about Mr. 
Gootch is that he's right there among all those 
black creatures, whose manners is very free, I'm 
told, and whose style of dressing is peculiar, the 
least you say! Mr. Gootch always did favor 
dark-complexioned people, and if that letter 
don't come to-morrow — 

[Getting excited, she again pulls Georgiana's 
hair. 

Georgiana. Ouch! [Laughing, holds up her 



194 HER OWN WAY 

hand and catches her hair to ward off another pull.] 
Be careful ! 

Bella. Excuse me ! in my art, there's no use 
talking, you oughtn't let your mind wander from 
the subject in hand — does your head feel better ? 

Georgiana. I don't know, Bella, if it does or 
not ! Your treatment is very heroic. 

Bella. [Spraying her hair.] You don't feel 
worried about something happening to them way 
out there, do you, Miss Georgiana? 

Georgiana. I daren't think of it. Oh, Bella, 
I've had lots of trouble to-day, and I've a serious 
time ahead of me — but all the same I am such a 
happy woman. [Turning to look at Bella, she 
disarranges her hair, much to Bella's disapproval.] 
Do you love Mr. Gootch tremendously, Bella? 

Bella. Why, love isn't the word! my feeling 
for Mr. Gootch is a positive worship. When I 



HER OWN WAY 195 

get to thinking of him in the underground I always 
go by my station, sometimes two. 

Georgiana. Be grateful for your love, Bella; 
it's a wonderful thing. 

Bella. [Finishing the dressing of the hair.] 
You know I've just done Mrs. Wishings, she puts 
too much on ! 

Georgiana. Does she rouge? 

Bella. No, hair. I don't mind a switch or two 
for foundation, and a couple of puffs for ornament, 
with a tight curl or two for style, — especially if 
you've got one of those new undilated fronts, but 
I think that's all you can expect to have any hair 
dresser make look as if it growed there. There! 
How's that? 

[Puts hairpin in Georgiana's hair. 

Georgiana. [Holding up Dick's photograph.] 
How's that, Dick — is it all right ? 



196 HER OWN WAY 

Bella. [Delighted.] Ain't that a cute idea? 

Georgiana. We both trust you, Bella, to make 
me all right. 

Bella. What ornaments? 

[Taking off the apron, she walks around to Right 
of the table, 

Georgiana. Would you wear any? 

Bella. Oh, yes, for such an occasion! Of 
course, for maidens only feathers is correct ; for 
wives and widows, tiaras and feathers. 

[Putting away her things. Mrs. Carley enters 
in a flurry of excitement, superbly dressed, and 
too youthfully. 

Mrs. Carley. Here I am; I've hurried so I 
don't feel half dressed. 

Georgiana. [Smiling.] That's almost the 
way you look, mother. 

Mrs. Carley. Well, I always did have shoul- 



HER OWN WAY 197 

ders, and I don't intend to hide them under a 
bushel; but what do you think of the dress, is it 
a success? 

Georgiana. From your point of view — per- 
fect ! 

Mrs. Carley. Yes, but what's the differ- 
ence about your point of view about it and 
mine? 

Georgiana. Well, I should think about thirty 
years, darling! 

Mrs. Carley. Oh, Georgiana, you really are 
unkind. When I don't know how on earth it's 
ever going to be paid for now, I think you 
might be serious, and let me feel anyway its a 
success. 

Georgiana. Mother dear, it's a triumph. 
Really, I never saw you look better! 

Mrs. Carley. Really ! and how is my hair ? 



198 HER OWN WAY 

Georgiana. Redder! 

Bella. Oh, Miss Georgiana, it isn't too red a 
bit. 

Georgiana. It's very fine, Bella, but I think 
I'd take off a little. You don't want Mrs. Carley 
to rival Mrs. Wishings and look as if she'd 
cornered the hair market. 

Bella. She's just teasing you. 

[Georgiana has risen. 

Mrs. Carley. You are lovely, Georgiana. 

Georgiana. That's because my thoughts are 
lovely. 

Mrs. Carley. I'm awfully proud of you, dear, 
and wish you were my own daughter. 

Georgiana. Thank you, mother. 

Mrs. Carley. The Grand Duke will surely 
notice you. Aren't you going to put something 
in your hair? 



HER OWN WAY 199 

Bella. [Handing it to Georgiana.] A rose 
with glass dewdrops. 
[Newsboy's voice heard in the street — calling, 
"Extra — Extra — Terrible " — the rest is in- 
distinct. 
Georgiana. What's that? 
Mrs. Carley. A newsboy with an extra. 
[Man's voice outside, u Extra — Extra — Terri- 
ble" — the rest is still indistinct. Louise en- 
ters, beautifully dressed. 
Bella. Oh! 

Georgiana. Lovely, Louise! 
Louise. I've got a splitting headache. [Man's 
voice outside, "Extra — Extra."] What can the 
extra be? [Enter Steven.] Steve, do you know 
what the extra is? 

Steven. Oh, they're never anything you 
know. 



200 HER OWN WAY 

[In distance are heard several voices at once at 
different distances, all calling, "Extra — 
Extra — Terrible" — etc. 
Mrs. Carley. Yes, they're always so disap- 
pointing, generally a railway accident out west ! 
or a bomb thrown in Europe. Are you ready, 
Georgiana ? 

[The "Extras" are louder. 
Steven. Yes, if we're going we ought to go. 
["Extra — Extra, " called underneath the window. 
Georgiana. Listen, what did he say ? 
[Voice shouts outside, " Terrible fight in the 
Philippines ; an entire regiment wiped 
out!" 
Bella. [Frightened.] I heard " Philippines." 

[Goes to the window. 
Georgiana. And a terrible fight! Some one 
must get the paper ! 



HER OWN WAY 2or 

Steven. We haven't time now, Georgy. 
Mrs. Carley. Yes, we must be there before 
the Grand Duke arrives. 

[Outside, "Extra — Extra! " 
Georgiana. I must see that paper, Steve. 
Mrs. Carley. Georgiana, I think you are too 
thoughtless. 

[Outside, "Entire regiment wiped out I" 
Georgiana. Steve, do you hear that ! Will you 
get the paper or shall I call to the man ? 

Steven. I'll get it. [Goes to a window and 
opens it, pulling aside the curtain. He calls down 
to the boy in the street.'] Here ! Hi ! Extra ! 

[Voice outside, "Here you are, boss!" 
Steven. Ring the bell. 

[He comes back into the room. One "Extra" 
is heard louder than before, and then the cries 
gradually die away. 



202 HER OWN WAY 

Mrs. Carley. The carriage has already been 
here nearly an hour. 

Georgiana. It if should be Dick's fight, if it 
should be Dick's regiment ! 

Louise. Make up your mind, mother, to be 
a little late. We can't go till we see the 
paper. 

Georgiana. [At the door Right.] Lizzie! 
Where is she? Didn't he go to the door with the 
paper, Steve? 

Bella. I'll see, miss. 

[She goes out Right. 

Steven. Yes, I saw him. But, Georgy, it 
won't be Dick's regiment. 

Mrs. Carley. [By the sofa.] Louise, I'll tell 
you what we'll do, let's go down and be getting on 
our wraps. 

Louise. No, mother, wait. 



HER OWN WAY 203 

Georgiana. No, Louise, go down, please, with 
mother. I'd rather. 

Mrs. Carley. [Going out Left.] Yes, come 
along. 

[Louise looks at Georgiana, who nods her head 

"Yes" to go. 
Louise. I'll come back. 

[She follows Mrs. Carley out. Lizzie enters 
Right with the paper. Georgiana takes the 
paper from Lizzie, who immediately goes out 
Right. 
Steven. Shall I look? 

Georgiana. [Standing by the sofa.] No, I 
will. Here it is — " Battle with Ladrones. The 
91st Regiment of New York, which went out 
under Captain H. S. Miller to subdue the bandits 
in the Island of Orla, met an ambuscade of the 
Ladrones and were annihilated almost to a man." 



204 HER OWN WAY 

[She looks up dazed, not able at once to realize what 
it means. Rereads, skipping some lines.] " Cap- 
tain H. S. Miller who went out under — to subdue 
the bandits in the — met an ambuscade of the 
Ladrones and was annihilated almost to a man." 
Steve ! his regiment, — do you think it's true ? 
Do you think it can be true ? 

Steven. [Beside her.] No, let me read it. 

Georgiana. [She sinks down on the end of the 
sofa.] No, I will! [She reads on.] "News was 
brought by private — private — [Her eyes hurry- 
ing on.] the sole survivors. Privates — " [Her 
eyes run along the printed lines again.] Steve, I 
can't see his name. Isn't it there? Can't you 
see it? 

Steven. [Looking.] No. 

Georgiana. [Almost whispers.] It means — ? 

Steven. [Striving to hide his own emotion and 



HER OWN WAY 205 

to encourage her.] The news is too meagre to be 
true. 

Mrs. Carle y. [In hall Left.] Georgiana! We 
must go. 

Georgiana. [Starts. To Steven.] Don't let 
mother come in, please. 

Louise. [Just outside the door.] Georgiana, 
we must go. 

Georgiana. [To Steven.] Say I'm coming. 

Steven. I can't leave you alone. [Going to the 
door,] Georgy's coming. 

Louise. [Outside.] Good! Hurry! 

Steven. [Coming back to her.] But I can't 
leave you. 

Georgiana. You must. And anyway I want 
you to. I want to be alone. 

[Steven hesitates. He comes and takes her 
hand and is about to kiss her, but something 



206 HER OWN WAY 

keeps him back; he presses her hand and she 
gives a grateful look. She crosses to the dress- 
ing table and sits before it, dazed. Slowly she 
takes the flowers from her hair, the pearls 
from her neck. The front door slams, she 
lifts her head, and leaning her arm toward 
Dick's picture, draws it toward her, gazing 
at it. Then, crying, "Dick, Dick," she bursts 
into tears and drops her head upon her arms 
outstretched on the table as 

THE CURTAIN FALLS 



ACT IV 

Seven weeks later. The drawing-room as in Act II. 
Georgiana, in a clinging black lace dress, is 
at the piano, playing "Traumerei" The sun- 
shine pours in through the windows. Moles 
comes in apologetically from the Left. 

Moles. Mr. Coast wants to know if you will 
see him, miss. 

Georgiana. [Who continues playing.] Very 
well, Moles. 
Moles. Shall I show him up ? 
[Georgiana nods her head. Moles goes out. 
Georgiana continues playing. In a few 
seconds Moles reenters with Coast. 
207 



208 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Good morning, Georgiana. 

[Georgiana, half smiling, bows very imper- 
sonally, and continues playing till she -finishes 
the music. Coast leans against the piano, 
facing her, and watches her and waits. 

Georgiana. [When she has finished.] How 
long is it since you and I have been friends ? 

Coast. It's five weeks and a couple of days — 
but it wasn't my fault. 

Georgiana. Wasn't it? Well? What is it? 
Why do you want to see me ? 

Coast. Same reason as ever ! 

Georgiana. No, — you wouldn't ask me that 
now! 

Coast. Yes, I would ! 

Georgiana. No, Sam! Love isn't a game 
with all women, if you lose with one hand, to try 
another. Do you mean you think because Dick 



HER OWN WAY 209 

is dead, it would be any more possible for me 
to care for you? I don't respect you, Sam, 
and I don't like you, — and that's putting it 
very politely, — for many reasons; but one's 
enough — Steve! 

[Coast looks away. 

Coast. [After a second's pause.] I've let you 
go on because I know I deserve all I get; and 
I've caught on to the fact that you won't ever care 
about me the way._I want. Well, it's funny, it 
don't seem to make much difference in my feel- 
ings for you all the same! [Half laughs.] I 
ain't exactly ashamed of what I've done, but 
I'm sort of sorry — for you. 

Georgiana. [Rising.] I don't want your sym- 
pathy, Sam. 

[She comes away from the piano and he follows 
her. 
p 



210 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Well, you've got to get it, anyway! 
That you can't help, and if you can help loving 
me, you can't help my loving you! Anyway, I 
don't want you to have to get out o' this house. 

Georgiana. That is all settled now; we can't 
afford to live here, of course. 

Coast. Yes, you can. 

Georgiana. No, no — Steve's salary — 

Coast. Steve's leaving that job; he don't need 
that money any longer. 

[He looks at her, she looks in his face — a short 
pause; then — 

Georgiana. You don't mean you've given 
Steve — 

Coast. Don't worry, I'm giving away nothing. 
Steve's got a new job. 

Georgiana. What? 

Coast. I'm going home — leastways so far's 



HER OWN WAY 211 

Denver — and Steve's going to look after my 
interests here. 

Georgiana. But — 

Coast. [Interrupting her.] Oh, don't worry 
— he can't act without my advice — and that's 
just the kind of a man I want! I don't want 
none of these here fellers who's got judgment o' 
their own ! Steve's knows he's a fool in business, 
and he'll obey me implicitly 

Georgiana. [Sitting by the table Left.] And 
Steve is willing to accept from you — 

Coast. [Interrupting.] Oh, I guess he con- 
siders I owe him that much anyway. 

Georgiana. You couldn't repay what you 
owe Steve. 

Coast. That's how you look at it ! Then there's 
Coleman's money. 

Georgiana. Don't speak about that, please. 



212 HER OWN WAY 

Coast. Why not? he's left it to you, every- 
body knows it, and it must be a good deal. 

Georgiana. I can't and won't discuss that 
with you. 

Coast. [Goes to Georgiana.] I wish you 
didn't feel so hard against me, Georgy ! 

Georgiana. To tell you the truth, Sam, I 
don't think I feel anything about you. 

Coast. Oh, Lord, that's worse! I guess I 
won't stop at Denver, — I'll go away out to the 
mine for a while and join father. — Good-by. 

Georgiana. Good-by. 

[Rises. 

Coast. I swore off a lot of things when I 
thought I was going to get you, Georgiana! 

Georgiana. [Without any feeling.] I'm glad! 

Coast. But I don't want to put on any bluff. 
I've sworn 'em all on again. 



HER OWN WAY 213 

[Going Left. 

Georgiana. [Same voice, without feeling.] I'm 
sorry. 

Coast. [Turning quickly and with an absurd 
ray of hope.] Are you really ? 

Georgiana. [Looking at him a second.] No, 
Sam, I suppose, if I tell the truth, I don't really 
care. You see, somehow or other, I don't care 
very much about anything. 

Coast. [Discouraged.] Good-by. 

Georgiana. Good-by, a pleasant journey. 

[She turns away. Coast is about to go when he 
meets Louise, who enters Left. 

Louise. Good morning, Sam. Where are you 
off to? 

[Going to the sofa. 

Coast. Chicago first, Lou, and then Denver, 
and eventually — hell, I guess ! 



214 HER OWN WAY 

[With a little gulp in his throat he goes out 
quickly. 

Louise. What's the matter with him — he 
hasn't proposed to you again? 

Georgiana. He's going away, and he's made 
Steve — 

Louise. [Interrupting.] I've just seen Steve, 
he's told me. Steve's coming uptown soon — to 
see you — 

Georgiana. [Sitting on the sofa beside Louise.] 
To see me — why ? 

Louise. He'll tell you better than I — I feel 
happy, Georgiana. 

Georgiana. I'm glad. 

Louise. And I believe you'll be happy again. 

Georgiana. Thank you, Louise ! 

[Mrs. Carle y enters Right and sits by the table. 

Mrs. Carley. You back, Louise! I'm that 



HER OWN WAY 215 

tired, shopping. I'm buying everything I can 
think of we'll be likely to need for months. 
There'll be no pleasure buying things when, 
instead of having them sent to 2 East 71st Street, 
we have to say 329 West 143rd! 

Georgiana. [Rises and goes back of the table.] 
Mother, dear, you may not have to leave here 
after all! 

Mrs. Carley. What do you mean? 

Georgiana. Louise will tell you. I've prom- 
ised to sit through lunch with the children 
this morning if you don't mind, and it's their 
hour. 

Mrs. Carley. But, Georgiana — 

[She is interrupted by a gesture and a glance 
from Louise to let Georgiana go. 

Georgiana. [Sweetly.] Yes? Do you want 
me for anything, dear ? 



216 HER OWN WAY 

[Louise repeats the gesture, unnoticed by Geor- 

GIANA. 

Mrs. Carley. Oh, no. 

Georgiana. If you want me — 

Mrs. Carley. No. 

Georgiana. Louise, I told Bella Shindle I'd 
help her get up an article this morning on the 
drawing-room and dining room for her sister, — 
you know — who has a friend who writes for the 
weekly papers. You don't mind, do you? 

Louise. No. 

Georgiana. Of course, if you do mind — 

Louise. But I don't, not the least in the world. 

Georgiana. [Smiling.] Bella says it will be 
a great thing for her sister's reputation — what she 
calls such a " select" house as ours — and buy her 
a new hat besides. So I thought we'd better. 

[She goes out Right. 



HER OWN WAY 2.\-j 

Mrs. Carley. Did you ever know any one so 
changed? She hasn't been horrid to me once 
since he died. It makes me feel perfectly dread- 
ful to have her treat me so nice. 

[Almost crying, crosses to Left. 

Louise. Mother, you know Mrs. Coleman 
sent for me just now. 

Mrs. Carley. Yes? 

Louise. Well, why, do you suppose? 

Mrs. Carley. I don't know, but I hope 
you'll tell me that, too, sometime — what about 
Steve ? 

Louise. That must wait, mother — Dick Cole- 
man — 

Mrs. Carley. What? Don't tell me he made 
another will, and didn't leave Georgiana his 
money. 

Louise. No, it's good news for Georgiana. 



218 HER OWN WAY 

I'm almost as afraid to tell you as to tell her. 
[Whispers.] Dick Coleman may be alive, after 
all. 

Mrs. Carley. Louise! 

Louise. It is possible he was one of the three 
men who arrived at San Francisco nearly a week 
ago. 

Mrs. Carley. Who were taken prisoners by 
the Ladrones and escaped ? 

Louise. Yes! The three men who got away 
from Cebti in a boat and were picked up by a 
German steamer. It seems more than probable. 
They got one name wrong in the despatches, mak- 
ing it "Richard Cotten" — who was also missing 
— instead of "Richard Coleman" 

Mrs. Carley. But how did you find out all 
this? 

Louise. From Mrs. Coleman. And it's all 



HER OWN WAY 219 

in the morning paper, and we never took the 
trouble to look ! 

Mrs. Carley. I read the society notes — it 
wasn't in there. 

Louise. Well, the Colemans saw it and tele- 
graphed at once to Washington for confirmation. 

Mrs. Carley. Did they get it ? 

Louise. Not yet. But we're all in the greatest 
hopes ! 

Mrs. Carley. But if Dick Coleman was with 
those other men in San Francisco, why didn't 
he telegraph home? 

Louise. That's the one thing that makes still 
a dreadful doubt. [Rises and rings the bell.] 
The Colemans are nearly mad waiting for their 
reply from Washington. 

Mrs. Carley. Shall you tell Georgiana? 

[She rises. 



220 HER OWN WAY 

Louise. Not till we are a little more certain. 
It would be dreadful to open the wound of her 
grief again for nothing. Oh, if it's only true ! 

Mrs. Carley. And you've seen Steve? 

Louise. Yes, he went off at once to the news- 
paper to see how authentic their information was, 
and then he was going on to the Colemans. [Moles 
enters Left in answer to the bell.] Moles, bring me 
the morning paper. 

Moles. [Unable to suppress his excitement.] 
I've read it, m'm ! We're all nearly crazy over it 
downstairs. Lizzie's took to crying and can't 
answer her bells. — Is it true, Mrs. Carley? 

Louise. Yes, we hope it's true, Moles. 

Moles. Thank God, m'm, if you'll excuse me ! 

Louise. But we're not sure yet, and you mustn't 
let anything drop before Miss Georgiana till we 
are certain. 



HER OWN WAY 221 

Moles. No, m'm. 

[He goes out. 
Mrs. Carley. Oughtn't we to give Georgiana 
a hint to prepare her in some way ? 

Louise. Perhaps, if we do it very carefully. 
Mrs. Carley. It seems awful to me not to tell 
her right out. Of course we won't have Dick 
Coleman's money to help live on now, if he's back. 
Louise. Never mind that, mother. 

[Moles returns with the paper. 
Moles. Here is the paper, m'm, and Miss 
Shindle is come — she says to interview the draw- 
ing-room. 
Louise. Very well — tell Miss Georgiana. 
Moles. Yes, m'm. 

[Goes out Right. Louise looks through the 
paper. Moles brings in Bella. Bella 
shows signs of suppressed excitement. 



222 HER OWN WAY 

Bella. Oh, Mrs. Carley, have you seen the 
papers — isn't it splendid ? 

Louise. Yes, if it's only true. We're trying 
to make sure ! 

[Louise -finds the place in the paper. 

Mrs. Carley. [Rising.] She doesn't know 
yet. 

Bella. Oh, Mrs. Carley ! 

Louise. We're waiting to be sure, and that we 
may be almost any minute. 

Bella. Mercy ! I don't see how you can keep 
it to yourself. 

Mrs. Carley. You might give her a little hint, 
Bella, if you get a chance. 

Bella. I wouldn't dare. If I opened my 
mouth wide enough to give her a hint, I know it 
would all burst out ! 

Louise. As soon as Mr. Carley comes, make an 



HER OWN WAY 223 

excuse to leave her, won't you? We expect him 
to bring us some definite news? 

Bella. Yes, indeed! 

[Mrs. Carley and Louise go out Left, as 
Georgiana comes in. 

Georgiana. [Pleasantly.] Good morning, Bella. 

[She sits by the table. 

Bella. Good morning, ain't it a fine morning? 

Georgiana. Is it? I haven't been out. 

Bella. I'm scared to death. [Laughing ner- 
vously.] I ain't going to write the article myself, 
you know. It's my sister's husband's friend — 
she's real literary enough ! She's got a typewriter. 

Georgiana. One can't do everything in this 
world, Bella, and you must be content with being 
a real artiste in your own profession. 

Bella. Yes, I will say without boasting, so to 
speak, I don't believe there's a soul in New York 



224 HER OWN WAY 

who can make hair go further and wear less, than 
me! [Laughs heartily.] What's this room? Of 
course it's one of them Louis, I suppose, ain't it? 
[Looks around the room.] Let me see, is it Louis 
Eleventimes? I saw Henry Irving in that, it 
was fine ! 

Georgiana. No, Bella, Henry Irving has never 
been in this room, and it's Louis XVI. 

Bella. Oh, of course! [Writing.] How well 
you're looking, Miss Georgiana. Look to me 
kinder as if you thought good news was in the 
wind ! 

[She glances at her surreptitiously, but down 
again quickly, frightened. 

Georgiana. Why, Bella? 

Bella. Oh, that's just my idea, that's all. 
What might this picture be ? Shall we say — er 
— er — Michael Ange ? 



HER OWN WAY 225 

Georgiana. [Suppressing a smile.] No, that 
is a Van Dyck. 

Bella. Of course! I might have known! 
{Writing.] This entire room is a fine bit, ain't it? 
All Louis — [She looks back in her book.] 16, as a 
piece, I suppose? 

Georgiana. Yes. 

Bella. So I see! My! How I love all this 
kind of thing. I couldn't live without a lot o' 
bric-a-brah lying around sort of careless like and 
undusted. These tapestries are real, I presume? 

Georgiana. Yes. 

Bella. I thought so ! I got a beautiful piece 
of tapestry over my washstand, hand-painted, 
and all the faces and clothes outlined in chenille 
cross-stitch by the Singer Sewing Machine — but 
it's not quite the same as yours. 

Georgiana. It must be very pretty. 
Q 



226 HER OWN WAY 

Bella. Oh, it adds a touch! Mr. Gootch 
gave it to me for an engagement present. 

Georgiana. Does Mr. Gootch ever speak of 
Mr. Coleman? 

Bella. He worships him — naturally, as Mr. 
Coleman got wounded in both arms carrying him 
to a safe place ! Mr. Gootch says as there wasn't 
a man in the regiment braver or as popular as 
Mr. Coleman. Don't you think, perhaps, some- 
times, maybe, Miss Georgiana — 

[She stops near Georgiana. 

Georgiana. Maybe what — ? 

Bella. Oh, I dunno — I — 

Georgiana. [Rising and going to the sofa.] 
Come, Bella, we must get on with your article. 

[A pause. 

Bella. [Looking about.] Why, you haven't 
got a cosy corner, have you? And yet you seem 



HER OWN WAY 227 

to go in for the real artistic ! I don't know what 
my sister 'n' I'd do without our cosy corner ! It 
is draped with a fish net, and has paper butter- 
flies and beetles in it! Very artistic! And she's 
got — well, really now, I believe she's got at least 
eleven fillers; counting the two ticking ones that 
has their covers come off at night for our bed! 

Georgiana. [Rising nervously.] Bella, I have 
some colored dresses I'd like to give you for your 
trousseau, if you care to take them. They've 
not been worn very much. 

Bella. Oh, Miss Georgiana, of course I'd take 
'em — only, I don't know, I sort of feel it in my 
bones you'll wear 'em yourself. 

[Steven enters Left suddenly. He tries to con- 
ceal his great excitement. Moles is with him. 

Steven. [To Moles.] Tell Mrs. Carley I 
want to see her here, please. 



228 HER OWN WAY 

Moles. Yes, sir. 

[He goes out Right. 

Steven. Hello, Georgy! 

Georgiana. Steve! 

Steven. Good morning, Miss Shindle. 

Bella. Good morning, Mr. Carley. I must 
be going now, Miss Georgiana. 

Georgiana. But have you got enough for the 
article ? 

Bella. Oh, yes, miss — Louise furniture, the 
Van Wyck picture, tapestry effects — etcetra. 
Thank you ever so much. Good-by ! 

Georgiana. Wait, I'll tell you about the din- 
ing room. 

[She goes out with Bella Left, and Louise 
enters. 

Steven. Louise, it's true! 

Louise. Oh, Steve! 



HER OWN WAY 229 

Steven. It was a press telegram and has been 
verified by private wire. Besides, Mrs. Coleman 
has a telegram from Dick himself. 

Louise. From where? 

Steven. From San Francisco, when the Cole- 
mans were at Palm Beach. Their servants 
foolishly mailed the telegram to them, and before 
it arrived in Florida, they were on their way 
North, coming by easy stages. 

Louise. [Rises.] And the message only just 
caught up with them ! Who will tell her? 

[Moles comes in Left with a note. 

Moles. A note just come for you, sir, by Mr. 
Coleman's man. 

Steven. We must break it very gently, prepare 
her a little for it if we can. [To Moles.] Thanks. 
[Takes note, opens it, and reads it hurriedly.] He's 
there ! With his father and mother ! 



23d HER OWN WAY 

Moles. [Forgetting himself.] Oh, sir — I'm 
so glad! Excuse me, sir, but we're all so glad, 
sir — any answer- sir? 

[His eyes fill up. 

Steven. No, only tell Miss Georgiana I want 
to see her. 

Moles. [Who has to swallow a lump in his 
throat before he can speak,] Yes, sir. 

[He goes out Right. 

Louise. [Wiping her eyes, goes to Steven.] 
What does it say? 

Steven. [Reads the note.] "Dick and the 
answer from Washington arrived together!" 
He'll be over here at once — they won't keep him. 

Louise. We must tell her before he gets here. 

Steven. Yes. 

Louise. We must do it very carefully. 

Steven. But we mustn't lose any time. 



HER OWN WAY 231 

[Georgiana comes in during this last speech, 
overhearing it. A movement is made by 
others on Georgiana's entrance. 

Georgiana. " Losing time!" Am I keeping 
you from anything? I'm very sorry! 

Louise. [Very tenderly, and hiding her emotion.] 
No, you're not keeping us, Georgy, we only 
wanted to see you, that's all. 

Georgiana. [Going to her.] Why? 

Steven. [Also very tenderly.] Do we have to 
have a reason to want to see you, isn't that we 
love you enough? 

Georgiana. Yes, but why do you speak to me 
like this ? — it's very kind of you — only — what 
does it mean? 

[Smiling a little nervously, they hesitate. 

Louise. Steve has news for you, Georgy. 

Georgiana. I know about it, Coast told me. 



232 HER OWN WAY 

Steven. It isn't that, Georgy. 

Georgiana. What is it, then? How serious 
you both look. 

[She becomes frightened. 

Steven. This is good news. 

Georgiana. Good news ! 

Louise. Yes. 

Steven. The best in the world ! 

Georgiana. For me? 

Steven. For you ! 

Georgiana. [A second's pause, she speaks 
then in a low voice.] No, it can't be ! It can't be ! 

Steven. Yes, it is, Georgy ! 

Georgiana. No! 

Steven. Georgy ! It is t 

[Moles enters Left. 

Moles. [With voice full of happy emotion 
which he cannot disguise.] Please, sir — 



HER OWN WAY 233 

[He hesitates. 
Steven. Show him here, Moles. 

[Moles lowers his head and goes out. 
Georgiana. Dick — ? 

[She looks from Steven to Louise. They all 
show her by their faces and movements that it 
is true. 
Georgiana. [Whispers.] Dick ! 
[She stands waiting, breathless. Steven steals 

out with his arm about Louise. 
Georgiana. [Excitedly, to herself.] Cornel 
No, no! It can't be true! It can't be true! 
They killed him, those brutes out there! You 
told me so ! Every one believed it ! I believed it ! 
And so you want me to believe he's alive ! That 
he's here ! In this house, coming into this room 
— that I shall see — 

[She stops suddenly, looking up. The door- 



234 HER OWN WAY 

knob of the door Left turns. Every nerve in 
Georgiana's body grows tense. Moles opens 
the door and lets Dick pass in and closes the 
door behind him. 
Georgiana. [Cries out] Dick ! 
[Dick goes towards her, but stops. She starts 
towards him, stops a moment, and they look at 
each other, unable to speak, — then she goes on 
slowly, almost fearfully, till she reaches him. 
Dick. [Moving to her.] Georgy ! 
[He stands before her with both arms bandaged 

in a sling. 
Georgiana. [Whispers.] Dick! [Looks him 
straight in the eyes — he looks back. She cries 
out.] Dick ! 

[Holding out her arms toward him. 
Dick. Georgy! [He looks down at his arms.] 
My arms — I can't — 



HER OWN WAY 235 

Georgiana. Oh, Dick ! 

[And putting her arms tenderly about his neck, 

she holds him close, as he leans down his 

head and kisses her, and 

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